Disassembly (Tilt Column)

Using Tilt Spring Compressor (J-39346), 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. See Fig 1 .
NOTE: Mark upper shaft in relation to lower shaft for reassembly reference. Failure to assemble properly will cause steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees from its correct position.
Using Pivot Pin Remover (J-21854-01), remove pivot pins from column housing. See Fig 2 . Install tilt lever. Pull back tilt lever, and then pull column housing down and away from column. Components can now be removed from column housing. Remove lower bearing and related components. Remove steering column shaft.
Remove upper and lower shaft assembly. Note orientation of pinch bolt notch to upper shaft block tooth. Tilt shafts at 90-degree angle to each other to disengage. Rotate centering spheres 90 degrees, and then remove spheres. Remove joint preload spring from centering sphere.
Remove column housing support, shift lever gate and shift tube retaining ring. Remove thrust washer, shaft lock, wave washer and shift tube. Remove shift lever bowl (column shift) or bowl (floor shift). Remove bowl shroud. Remove shift lever spring from gearshift lever bowl. Remove gearshift bowl shroud from gearshift lever bowl (column shift).

Fig 1: Removing Tilt Spring

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing Pivot Pin

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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