GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

    Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

    Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

    Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraints.

  3. Object Number: 263832  Size: SH
  4. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
  5. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module from the SIR connector (4). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  6. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 255216  Size: LH
  8. Push in the hazard button in order to reduce the risk of damage.
  9. Remove the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  10. For the column shift, remove the shift lever cable (8).
  11. For the console shift, complete the following steps:
  12. 9.1. Unlock the ignition.
    9.2. Remove the park lock cable (9) and lock the ignition.
  13. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector (5) from the main body wiring harness.
  14. Remove the steering column shaft from the intermediate shaft (8).
  15. Position the seal as needed
  16. Loosen or remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

  17. Object Number: 141935  Size: SH

    Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

  18. Loosen the 2 nuts (1) at the lower steering column support. Do not remove the 2 nuts (1).
  19. Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

  20. Support the column.

  21. Object Number: 800069  Size: SH
  22. Position a 13-mm crowfoot wrench onto one of the nuts which secures the steering column to the I/P.
  23. While holding the stud in position with a #7 inverted TORX® socket, remove the nut.
  24. Repeat the above steps for each nut.
  25. Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

  26. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

    Important: 

       • When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation. DO NOT tighten the fasteners until the procedure tells you to do so.
       • In order to ensure that the column absorbs energy correctly, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten the components to the specified torque.

  1. Loosely install the nuts (1) on the lower support bracket studs.

  2. Object Number: 141935  Size: SH

    Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

  3. Position the steering column into the vehicle. Slide the lower support onto the nuts.

  4. Object Number: 141933  Size: SH
  5. Support the column. Install 2 nuts (1) on the upper support bracket studs.

  6. Object Number: 255216  Size: LH

    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.

  7. Position the intermediate steering shaft (7) through the seal and onto the column shaft
  8. Tighten

        • Tighten the pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).
        • Tighten the upper and the lower support nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
  9. Move the intermediate steering shaft seal into position.
  10. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector (5) to the main body wiring harness.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  12. For the column shift, install the shift lever cable (8).
  13. For the console shift, complete the following steps:
  14. 8.1. Unlock the ignition.
    8.2. Install the park lock cable (9).
    8.3. Lock the ignition.
  15. Install the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  16. Install the steering wheel, if previously removed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  17. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in Restraints.
  19. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
  20. Connect the negative battery cable.
  21. Inspect the steering for proper operation.