GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

  1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  3. Install anti-rotation pin J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.
  4. Remove the engine shield. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement.
  5. Mark the relationships of the steering shaft coupling, the upper intermediate steering shaft, and the power steering gear.
  6. 4.1. Mark the relationship of the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering shaft coupling.
    4.2. Mark the relationship of the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear.

    Important: DO NOT pull on the steering shaft coupling to separate it from the steering gear.

  7. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering gear.

  8. Object Number: 1701888  Size: SH
  9. Remove the steering shaft coupling nut (1) and bolt (2) at the upper intermediate steering shaft.
  10. Remove the steering shaft coupling from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: If a new steering shaft coupling is being installed then transfer the position of the alignment marks from the old component to the same locations on the new component. Failure to transfer the alignment marks may result in an off-center steering wheel after installation.

  1. Install the steering shaft coupling to the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1701888  Size: SH
  3. Install the steering shaft coupling nut (1) and bolt (2) at the upper intermediate steering shaft.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut and bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  5. Install the steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering gear.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  7. Install the engine shield. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement.

  8. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  9. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 from the steering column lower access hole.