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Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to ZONE 3 in Air Bag Restraint Systems.
  2. Install J 42640  into the lower steering column trim cover access hole in order to lock the steering column.
    Fig 1: Securing Steering Column Using J 42640
    G02068447Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT   .
  4. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to KNEE BOLSTER REPLACEMENT  in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  5. Remove the upper pinch bolt and nut from the intermediate shaft.
  6. Disconnect the steering column from the intermediate shaft.
  7. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
    Fig 2: Removing Intermediate Shaft Upper Pinch Bolt & Nut
    G02068448Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove the lower mounting nuts (1) from the steering column.
    Fig 3: Removing Lower Mounting Nuts From Steering Column
    G02068449Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.
  9. Support the steering column.
    Fig 4: Supporting Steering Column
    G02068450Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the upper mounting nuts (1) from the steering column.
  11. Remove the steering column.
    Fig 5: Removing Upper Mounting Nuts & Steering Column
    G02068451Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install the steering column onto J 41352  .
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