GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2001 🢒 Century 🢒 Steering 🢒 Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: 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.

    Notice: 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 Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  5. Remove the left-hand instrument panel insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  6. Remove the trim panel below the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  7. Remove the steering column knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

    8. Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

  8. Remove the steering column intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

    9. Object Number: 305570 Size: SH
  9. Remove the following components:
    10. 9.1. The shift indicator cable
    9.2. The casing from the shift cam
    9.3. The automatic control indicator adjuster or the park lock cable
  10. Disconnect the Automatic Transmission range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
  11. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
  12. Remove the lower steering column mounting bolts.
  13. Remove the upper steering column mounting bolts.
  14. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
  15. Loosen the steering column electrical connector bolt.
  16. Separate the 2 steering column electrical connector halves.

    17. Important: It may be necessary to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.

  17. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 305570 Size: SH
  1. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
  2. Insert the lower end of the steering column shaft into the steering column intermediate steering shaft coupling.
  3. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
  4. Tighten the electrical connector bolt in order to draw the 2 halves of the electrical connectors together.
  5. Install the shift indicator cable.
  6. Install the transaxle casing to the shift cam ball stud.
  7. Install the column bracket or the park lock cable.
  8. Install the Automatic Transmission range selector cable end to the shift cam.
  9. Install the automatic transmission control indicator adjuster.

    10. Caution: When installing the steering column to the intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.

    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.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  10. Loosely install the upper and lower steering column bolts.

    11. Tighten

    1. Tighten the right side lower bolt to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the left side lower bolt to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
    3. Tighten the left side upper bolt to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
    4. Tighten the right side upper bolt to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
  11. Install the steering column intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
  12. Pull the intermediate steering shaft seal up over the lower column in order to lock the seal into place.
  13. Install the steering column knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  14. Install the trim panel below the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  15. Install the left-hand instrument panel insulator. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  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. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  19. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  20. Inspect all of the column components for the correct operation.