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Removal Procedure

    Fig 1: Steering Column, Upper Coupling & Bolt
    GM70106Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: If the steering column connectors are disconnected with the ignition in the ON position, the BCM will enter a fail enable mode and prevent steering column lock operation. The PCM will also inhibit vehicle motion by disabling fuel. To clear the BCM fail enable mode, disconnect the BCM fuse #25 for 15 seconds.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
  2. Turn the steering wheel far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling bolt.
  3. Remove the upper coupling bolt.
  4. Turn the steering wheel back to the right until the wheels are in a straight ahead position. Lock the steering column.
    5. CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
    • The steering column
    • The intermediate shaft(s)
    • The steering gear

    After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure INFLATABLE RESTRAINT STEERING WHEEL MODULE COIL CENTERING to re-center SIR Coil.
    Fig 2: Steering Wheel Lock Tool
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Insert J 42640  into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
    6. Fig 3: Driver Knee Bolster Bracket
    GM95668Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Remove the trim panel from the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement .
  7. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement .
  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument panel (I/P) wiring harness.
    9. Fig 4: Lower Steering Column Support Plate & Nuts
    GM70120Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the nuts from lower steering column support plate (1).
    10. Fig 5: Steering Column, Bracket & Nuts
    GM70116Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the upper steering column bracket nuts from the upper reinforcement assembly (3).
  11. Slide the steering column (2) off of the intermediate shaft.
    12. CAUTION: 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.
  12. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.

    Rotate the steering column clockwise as the bottom of the steering column reaches the reinforcement assembly. This will allow the telescoping steering column motor and the steering wheel position sensor room to clear the I/P brace.

    13. Fig 6: Steering Column Special Tool
    GM415301Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Install the steering column onto J 41352  . See Special Tools .
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