GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lower Bearing and Steering Column Jacket Replacement Column Shift Tilt

Tools Required

    • J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
    • J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer-Tilt Steering Wheel

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove the shift lever assembly. Refer to Shift Lever Replacement .
  3. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  4. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  5. Remove the tilt spring assembly only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
  6. Inspect the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection .

  7. Object Number: 324887  Size: SH
  8. Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  9. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.

  10. Object Number: 324906  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not use excessive force when removing the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column. Using excessive force may cause damage to the automatic transmission shift lock control and/or the steering column.

  11. Remove the A/T shift lock control using the following procedure:
  12. 9.1. Put the shift lever clevis into the NEUTRAL position.
    9.2. Use a small screwdriver to pry the A/T shift lock control away from the steering column jacket assembly and the cable shift cam assembly.
  13. Remove the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 389642  Size: SH
  15. Remove the inner boot seal (4).
  16. Remove the steering shaft seal (3) from the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  17. Remove the shaft seal retainer (2) from the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  18. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1) from the steering shaft assembly.

  19. Object Number: 306307  Size: SH
  20. Use J 21854-01 to remove the 2 pivot pins (3) from the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  21. Object Number: 322998  Size: SH
  22. Install the tilt lever into the tilt head assembly (1).
  23. Pull back on the tilt lever and at the same time pull the tilt head assembly (1) down and away from the steering column.
  24. Remove the tilt head assembly (1) with the steering shaft assembly from the steering column jacket assembly (2).
  25. Remove the tilt lever.

  26. Object Number: 306316  Size: SH
  27. Remove the steering shaft assembly (2) from the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  28. Object Number: 306318  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly before disassembly. Failure to assemble the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly correctly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

  29. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly (2).
  30. Disengage the race and upper shaft assembly (1) from the lower shaft assembly (2).

  31. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  32. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  33. Insert J 41688 into a vise.
  34. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere from the race and upper shaft assembly.
  35. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly (1) from J 41688 .
  36. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere from J 41688 .
  37. If necessary, discard the old centering sphere and the old shaft preload spring.

  38. Object Number: 306322  Size: SH
  39. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (2) from the steering column support assembly (1).
  40. Discard the 4 TORX® head screws.
  41. Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 299877  Size: SH

    Important: The steering column support assembly must be replaced if it has been staked 3 times.

  1. Attach the steering column support assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly (3) with the 4 TORX® head screws (2).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 299879  Size: SH
  3. Lubricate the centering sphere (1) with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
  4. Insert the centering sphere (1) and the joint preload spring (2) into J 41688 .
  5. Place the base of J 41688 into a vise.

  6. Object Number: 299881  Size: SH
  7. Compress the centering sphere and the joint preload spring.
  8. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.

  9. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  10. Attach the race and upper shaft assembly (1) to J 41688 .
  11. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1) downward 90 degrees until the centering sphere is locked in place.

  12. Object Number: 299887  Size: SH
  13. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly and J 41688 from the vise.
  14. Disassemble J 41688 by separating the base.
  15. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly, which is now attached to the centering sphere, from J 41688 .

  16. Object Number: 299888  Size: SH
  17. Lubricate the exposed steering shaft with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
  18. Align the lower steering shaft assembly to the race and upper shaft assembly by using the alignment marks.
  19. Tilt the lower steering shaft assembly at 90 degrees to the race and upper shaft assembly.
  20. Install the lower steering shaft assembly onto the race and upper shaft assembly.

  21. Object Number: 299889  Size: SH
  22. Install the steering shaft assembly (2) into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  23. Object Number: 322998  Size: SH
  24. Install the steering shaft assembly with the tilt head assembly (1) into the steering column jacket assembly (2).
  25. Maneuver the tilt lever and push the tilt head assembly (1) up towards the steering column in order to lock the steering wheel lock shoes in place.

  26. Object Number: 299893  Size: SH
  27. Lubricate the pivot pins (1) with GM P/N 12346293 (Canadian P/N 992723).
  28. Firmly seat each pivot pin (1) into the tilt head assembly.
  29. Stake the steering column support assembly in the 3 locations around each pivot pin.

  30. Object Number: 389642  Size: SH
  31. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the steering column jacket assembly by performing the following procedure:
  32. 22.1. Align the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly (1) with the slot in the steering column jacket assembly.
    22.2. Push the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the steering shaft assembly until the tab snaps into the slot.
  33. Install the shaft seal retainer (2) onto the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  34. 23.1. Align the slots of the shaft seal retainer (2) to the ribs of the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
    23.2. Push the shaft seal retainer (2) onto the steering shaft assembly so that the retainer (2) contacts the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  35. Install the steering shaft seal (3) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  36. Install the inner boot seal (4) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  37. Install the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .

  38. Object Number: 324919  Size: SH
  39. Install the A/T shift lock control.
  40. Put the shift lever clevis into the NEUTRAL position.

  41. Object Number: 324912  Size: SH
  42. Adjust the A/T shift lock control by performing the following steps:
  43. 29.1. Pull out the tab (1) on the adjuster block (2) side of the A/T shift lock control.
    29.2. Press on the adjuster block (2) to compress the internal adjuster spring which disengages the adjuster teeth.
    29.3. Slide the adjuster block (2) as far away from the solenoid as possible.
    29.4. Push inward on the tab (1) in order to lock the adjuster block (2) in place.
  44. Inspect the A/T shift lock control for the following items:
  45. 30.1. The A/T shift lock control must lock the shift lever clevis when the shift lever clevis is put into the PARK position.

    Once the steering column is installed in the vehicle, the gear shift lever must remain in the PARK position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

    30.2. The solenoid will be energized.
  46. Adjust the A/T shift lock control if needed.

  47. Object Number: 324887  Size: SH
  48. Install the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly onto the steering column tilt head assembly.
  49. Caution: Improper routing of the wire harness assembly may damage the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. This may result in a malfunction of the coil, which may cause personal injury.

    Important: Rest the electrical contact of the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly on the turn signal cancel cam assembly.

  50. Screw the 2 pan head tapping screws into the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  51. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  52. Install the tilt spring only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
  53. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  54. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  55. Install the shift lever assembly. Refer to Shift Lever Replacement .
  56. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

Lower Bearing and Steering Column Jacket Replacement Column Shift Standard

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove the shift lever assembly. Refer to Shift Lever Replacement .
  3. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  4. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  5. Inspect the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection .

  6. Object Number: 324887  Size: SH
  7. Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  8. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.

  9. Object Number: 324906  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not use excessive force when removing the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column. Using excessive force may cause damage to the automatic transmission shift lock control and/or the steering column.

  10. Remove the A/T shift lock control in the following way:
  11. 8.1. Put the shift lever clevis into the NEUTRAL position.
    8.2. Use a small screwdriver to pry the A/T shift lock control away from the steering column jacket assembly and the cable shift cam assembly.
  12. Remove the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 389642  Size: SH
  14. Remove the inner boot seal (4).
  15. Remove the steering shaft seal (3) from the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  16. Remove the shaft seal retainer (2) from the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
  17. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1) from the steering shaft assembly.

  18. Object Number: 389648  Size: SH
  19. Remove the steering shaft assembly (1) from the steering column support assembly (2) and the steering column jacket assembly (3).

  20. Object Number: 389651  Size: SH
  21. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (1) from the support assembly (2).
  22. Discard the 4 TORX® head screws (1).
  23. Remove the support assembly (2) from the jacket assembly (3).

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 389651  Size: SH
  1. Attach the steering column support assembly (2) to the steering column jacket assembly (3) with the 4 TORX® head screws (1).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 389648  Size: SH
  3. Install the steering shaft assembly (1) into the steering column support assembly (2).

  4. Object Number: 389642  Size: SH
  5. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the jacket assembly by performing the following procedure:
  6. 3.1. Align the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly (1) with the slot in the jacket assembly.
    3.2. Push the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the steering shaft assembly until the tab snaps into the slot.
  7. Install the shaft seal retainer (2) onto the adapter and bearing assembly (1):
  8. 4.1. Align the slots of the shaft seal retainer (2) to the ribs of the adapter and bearing assembly (1).
    4.2. Push the shaft seal retainer (2) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  9. Install the steering shaft seal (3) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  10. Install the inner boot seal (4) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  11. Install the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .

  12. Object Number: 324919  Size: SH
  13. Install the A/T shift lock control.
  14. Put the shift lever clevis into the NEUTRAL position.

  15. Object Number: 324912  Size: SH
  16. Adjust the A/T shift lock control by performing the following procedure:
  17. 10.1. Pull out the tab (1) on the adjuster block side (2) of the A/T shift lock control.
    10.2. Press on the adjuster block (2) to compress the internal adjuster spring which disengages the adjuster teeth.
    10.3. Slide the adjuster block (2) as far away from the solenoid as possible.
    10.4. Push inward on the tab (1) in order to lock the adjuster block in place.
  18. Inspect the A/T shift lock control for the following conditions:
  19. 11.1. The A/T shift lock control must lock the shift lever clevis when the shift lever clevis is put into the PARK position.

    Once the steering column is installed in the vehicle, the gear shift lever must remain in the PARK position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

    11.2. The solenoid will be energized.
  20. Readjust the A/T shift lock control if needed.

  21. Object Number: 324887  Size: SH

    Caution: Improper routing of the wire harness assembly may damage the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. This may result in a malfunction of the coil, which may cause personal injury.

    Important: Rest the electrical contact of the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly on the turn signal cancel cam assembly.

  22. Install the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly onto the steering column housing assembly.
  23. Screw the 2 pan head tapping screws into the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  25. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  26. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  27. Install the shift lever assembly. Refer to Shift Lever Replacement .
  28. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.