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Home › Pontiac › 2004 › GTO Automatic › Repair and Diagnosis › Steering › Steering Wheel & Steering Column › Repair Instructions › Steering Column Replacement › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify the front tires have not moved since the removal of the steering column.
    2. Fig 1: View Of Lower Steering Column
    GM1381635Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Inspect the foam seal on the lower steering column housing (6).

    If the seal is not effective, apply a continuous bead of RTV 732, or the equivalent silicone sealant.

  3. Place the column inside the vehicle.
    4. IMPORTANT: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts yet.
  4. Install the bottom of the column through the hole in the floor. Install, but do not tighten, the 2 nuts (1,2) in order to retain the lower portion of the column.
  5. Install, but do not tighten, the 2 bolts in order to retain the upper portion of the column.
    6. Fig 2: View Of Steering Shaft Coupling & Components
    GM1381628Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the steering shaft coupling (2) to the steering gear pinion (4).
    7. CAUTION: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:
    • Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
    • Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  7. Install the bolt (1) to the coupling. Install a NEW nut (3) to the bolt.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 28 N.m (20 lb ft).

    8. Fig 3: View Of Lower Steering Column
    GM1381635Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Tighten the 2 nuts (1,2) on the lower portion of the column.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nuts to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

  9. Tighten the 2 bolts on the upper portion of the column.

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolts to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

  10. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Wipers/Washer Switch Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
  11. Install the multifunction turn signal switch. Refer to Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement  .
  12. Install the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder solenoid, if equipped. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement  .
  13. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement  .
  14. If necessary, center the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering  .
  15. Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  16. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement  .
  17. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  18. Install the trim covers to the column. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement  .
  19. Install the left side ventilation ducts. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Air Outlet Ducts Replacement in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
  20. Install the I/P outer cover. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Outer Trim Cover Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  21. Install the left I/P lower trim panel retainer. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Retainer Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  22. Lower the vehicle.
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