Steering Column: Disassembly

1. Remove pivot and pulse dimmer switch and SIR coil assembly, attach a length of mechanics wire to connectors to aid in reassembly. Remove key from lock cylinder and remove buzzer switch. Place key in lock cylinder and turn to OFF-LOCK position. Remove lock cylinder retaining screw. Disconnect electrical connector (if equipped), remove lock cylinder.
2. Remove socket head screws, tilt lever, lock housing cover and sleeve assembly and wire guard. Using Tilt Spring Compressor(J-39246) compress spring retainer at least 1/4". Rotate lower hex of tilt spring compressor counterclockwise 1/4 turn to release retainer. Remove tilt spring compressor, retainer, spring and guide.
3. Using Pivot Pin Remover (J-21854-01), remove 2 pivot pins. See Fig 1. Reinstall tilt lever. Pull tilt lever and pull housing assembly down and away from column. Remove retainer and steering wheel speed sensor. Remove and discard lower spring retainer. Remove lower bearing spring, seat, adapter and bearing assembly. Remove steering shaft assembly.
4. Mark race and upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft for reassembly reference. Tilt race and upper shaft 90 degrees to lower shaft and remove. Remove centering sphere and preload spring from upper shaft by rotating them 90 degrees.
5. Remove column housing support, shift lever gate, shift tube retaining ring and thrust washers. Rotate gearshift lever bowl to 4 o'clock position. Apply pressure to lock plate at 1 o'clock position and rotate counterclockwise to loosen. Remove wave washer, thrust washers, cam retainer and shift cam assembly. Remove gearshift lever bowl, shift tube and shift lever spring.
6. Separate shift tube from bowl (if necessary), using a press. Remove park position switch, "PRDNL" adjuster bracket and ignition switch. Remove BTSI cable from solenoid and ignition switch actuator, use care to avoid kinking cable. Remove BTSI solenoid.

Fig 1: Removing Pivot Pin

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Vehicles involved in an accident with frame damage, major body damage or impact to the steering column may have damaged or misaligned steering column. Use the following procedures to inspect steering column for damage.