GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Column Replacement Non-Hybrid

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH

    Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

  3. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column shroud using anti-rotation pin J 42640 .
  4. Remove the instrument panel driver knee bolster deflector. Refer to Instrument Panel Driver Knee Bolster Deflector Replacement.
  5. Disconnect the automatic transmission shift lock actuator. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Actuator Replacement.
  6. Disconnect the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  7. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as needed.

  8. Object Number: 1701532  Size: SH

    Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

  9. Remove the 4 steering column nuts (1) from the steering column brackets.
  10. Important: Mark the location of the 2 washers at the lower steering column bracket. These washers must be reinstalled in the same location.

  11. Remove the steering column and the 2 washers from the vehicle.
  12. If replacing the steering column transfer all components as needed.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1701532  Size: SH

    Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

       • Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
       • Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

    Important: Install the two washers in the same location at the lower steering column bracket as marked in the previous step.

  1. Install the steering column and 2 washers to the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the 4 steering column nuts (1) using the procedure shown above.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  5. Connect the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  6. Connect the automatic transmission shift lock actuator. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Actuator Replacement.
  7. Install the instrument panel driver knee bolster deflector. Refer to Instrument Panel Driver Knee Bolster Deflector Replacement.
  8. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
  9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.

  10. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  11. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 from the steering column.