GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle Column Shift

Disassembly Procedure

    • J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool
    • J 23072 Shift Tube Remover
  1. Remove the steering column housing assembly. Refer to Steering Column Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .

  2. Object Number: 367775  Size: SH
  3. Remove the lower spring retainer (1) from the steering column (3) .
  4. Dispose of the lower spring retainer ( 1).
  5. Remove the bearing preload washer (2) from the steering column (3).

  6. Object Number: 367778  Size: SH
  7. Remove the lower bearing adapter clip (1) from the steering column (6).
  8. Remove the bearing adapter retainer (2) from the steering column (6).
  9. Remove the bearing assembly (3) from the steering column (6).
  10. Remove the lower bearing adapter (4) from the steering column (6).

  11. Object Number: 354102  Size: SH
  12. Remove the steering shaft assembly.
  13. Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly to ensure proper assembly. Failure to assemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned  180 degrees.

  14. Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly.
  15. Check the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle .

  16. Object Number: 306318  Size: SH
  17. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly (1)  90 degrees to the lower steering shaft assembly (2) to disengage.

  18. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  19. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  20. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1)  90 degrees to disengage.

  21. Object Number: 343892  Size: SH
  22. Remove the 4 screw supports (2) from the steering column housing support.
  23. Dispose of screws (2).
  24. Remove 2 oval head cross recess screws (6) from the shift lever gate.
  25. Remove the shift lever gate (1).
  26. Remove the steering column housing support assembly (4) with the dimmer switch actuator rod (3) from the gearshift lever bowl assembly (5).
  27. Remove the dimmer switch actuator rod (3) from the steering column housing support.

  28. Object Number: 354602  Size: SH
  29. Remove the shift tube retaining ring (2).
  30. Dispose of the shift tube retaining ring (2).
  31. Remove the thrust washer (1)

  32. Object Number: 354091  Size: SH

    Important: The shift tube lever must be in position to clear the steering column jacket assembly for removal. Forcing the shift tube lever against the steering column jacket assembly may cause damage to the steering column jacket assembly.

  33. Align the shift tube (1) to the gearshift lever bowl assembly (2).

  34. Object Number: 354590  Size: SH
  35. Remove the shift tube (1) from the gearshift lever bowl assembly (2) using J 23072 .

  36. Object Number: 354591  Size: SH
  37. Remove the lock plate (1) from the gearshift lever bowl assembly (4).
  38. Remove the wave washer (2).
  39. Remove the gearshift lever bowl (4) assembly from the steering column jacket assembly (6).
  40. Remove the gearshift bowl shroud (5) from the gearshift lever bowl assembly (4).
  41. Remove the shift lever spring (3).

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle Floor Shift

Disassembly Procedure

Tools Required
J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

  1. Remove the steering column housing assembly. Refer to Steering Column Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .

  2. Object Number: 367775  Size: SH
  3. Remove the lower spring retainer (1) from the steering column (3).
  4. Dispose of the lower spring retainer (1).
  5. Remove the bearing preload washer (2) from the steering column (3).

  6. Object Number: 367778  Size: SH
  7. Remove the lower bearing adapter clip (1) from the steering column jacket assembly (5).
  8. Remove the bearing adapter retainer (2) from the steering column jacket assembly (5).
  9. Remove the bearing assembly (3) from the steering column jacket assembly (5).
  10. Remove the lower bearing adapter (4) from the steering column jacket assembly (5).

  11. Object Number: 354102  Size: SH
  12. Remove the steering shaft assembly.
  13. Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly to ensure proper assembly. Failure to assemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned  180 degrees.

  14. Check the steering shaft assembly for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle .
  15. Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly.

  16. Object Number: 306318  Size: SH
  17. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly (1)  90 degrees to the lower steering shaft assembly (2) to disengage.

  18. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  19. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  20. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1)  90 degrees to disengage.
  21. Remove the centering sphere and the joint preload spring from J 41688 .

  22. Object Number: 367782  Size: SH
  23. Remove the 4 support screws (1) from the steering column housing support assembly (3).
  24. Dispose of screws (1).
  25. Remove the steering column housing support assembly (3) with the dimmer switch actuator rod (2) from the steering column housing shroud (7).
  26. Remove the lock plate (4) from the steering column housing shroud (7).
  27. Remove the key release lever (5) from the steering column housing shroud (7).
  28. Remove the key release lever spring (6) from the steering column housing shroud (7).
  29. Remove the steering column housing shroud (7) from the steering column jacket assembly.
  30. Remove the dimmer switch actuator rod (2) from the steering column housing support assembly (3).