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Home › Chevrolet › 2005 › Impala LS › Repair and Diagnosis › Steering › Steering Wheel & Steering Column › Repair Instructions › Steering Column Replacement › Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

    NOTE: 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.
    NOTE: Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.
    IMPORTANT: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:
    • Scorching
    • Melting
    • Other damage

    Replace the coil, if necessary.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
    2. CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the left instrument panel insulator. Refer to Closeout/Insulator Panel Replacement - Left in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  5. Remove the trim panel below the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Filler Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  6. Remove the steering column knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement - Left or to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement - Right in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  7. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
    8. Fig 1: View Of Upper Steering Column And Mounting Bolts
    GM305570Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. If equipped with a column shift lever, remove the park/lock cable from the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  9. Disconnect the A/T range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
  10. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
  11. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
  12. Loosen the bolt on the steering column electrical connector.
  13. Separate the two halves of the electrical connector.
  14. Remove the lower steering column mounting bolts.
  15. Remove the upper steering column mounting nuts.
    16. IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.
  16. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
    17. Fig 2: Installing Steering Column Onto J 41352
    GM415301Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Install the steering column onto J 41352  . See Special Tools .
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