GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2009 🢒 Impala 🢒 Steering 🢒 Steering Wheel and Column 🢒 Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket Replacement

Special Tools

    • J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
    • J 41688 Tilt Steering Wheel Centering Sphere Installer

For regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement.
  2. Remove the steering column tilt spring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement.
  3. Remove the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement.

    4. Object Number: 324925 Size: SH
  4. Remove the following items from the steering shaft assembly:
    5. 4.1. The steering shaft lower seal (6)
    4.2. The steering shaft lower bearing seal retainer (5)
    4.3. The steering shaft upper seal (4)
    4.4. The lower bearing spring (3)
    4.5. The lower bearing seat (2)
    4.6. The steering shaft lower bearing (1)
  5. Dispose of the steering shaft upper seal (4).

    6. Object Number: 324933 Size: SH
  6. Remove the 2 pivot pins from the steering column support assembly with the J 21854-01 remover .

    7. Object Number: 324937 Size: SH
  7. Install the tilt lever and tilt the steering column to the upright position.
  8. Remove the steering column tilt head with the steering shaft attached.

    9. Object Number: 299889 Size: SH

    Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly to ensure proper assembly. Failure to assemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

  9. Remove the steering shaft (2) from the steering column tilt head (1).

    10. Object Number: 295954 Size: SH
  10. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly and disengage. If necessary, remove and discard the old centering sphere and spring.

    11. Object Number: 299885 Size: SH
  11. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into the J 41688 installer .
  12. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere.
  13. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere from the J 41688 installer .
  14. If necessary, discard the old centering sphere and the old joint preload spring.

    15. Object Number: 299877 Size: SH
  15. Remove the 4 steering column support bolts from the steering column support assembly (1).
  16. Dispose of the 4 steering column support bolts (2).
  17. Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly (3).
  18. Inspect the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 299877 Size: SH

    Important: Once the steering column support assembly has been staked 3 times, it must be replaced.

  1. Install the steering column support assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly (3).

    2. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  2. Install the 4 new steering column support bolts (2) and tighten to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

    3. Object Number: 332949 Size: SH
  3. Lubricate the centering sphere (1). Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the recommended lubricant.
  4. Install the centering sphere (1) and the joint preload spring (2) into the J 41688 installer .

    5. Object Number: 299881 Size: SH
  5. Compress the centering sphere and joint preload spring. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.

    6. Object Number: 299885 Size: SH
  6. Install the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into the J 41688 installer .
  7. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees.

    8. Object Number: 299887 Size: SH
  8. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly with the J 41688 installer .
  9. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees from the J 41688 installer and remove with the race and upper shaft assembly.

    10. Object Number: 299888 Size: SH
  10. Lubricate the centering sphere. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the recommended lubricant.
  11. Install the lower shaft assembly to the race and upper shaft assembly.

    12. Object Number: 299889 Size: SH
  12. Install the steering shaft assembly (2) into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

    13. Object Number: 306326 Size: SH
  13. Install the steering column tilt head assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly (4).
  14. Install the 2 pivot pins (3).
  15. Stake the pivot pins location (2).

    16. Object Number: 324925 Size: SH
  16. Install the following components onto the steering shaft assembly:
    17. 16.1. The steering shaft lower bearing (1)
    16.2. The lower bearing seat (2)
    16.3. The lower bearing spring (3)
    16.4. The steering shaft upper seal (4)
    16.5. The steering shaft lower bearing seal retainer (5)
    16.6. The steering shaft lower seal (6)
  17. Install the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement.
  18. Install the steering column tilt spring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement.
  19. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement.