GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

    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.

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the lock position and remove the key.

  3. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  4. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640 .
  5. Remove the air outlet duct. Refer to Floor Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side .

  6. Object Number: 687445  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the upper intermediate shaft boot from the lower intermediate shaft boot to gain access to the upper intermediate shaft to lower intermediate pinch bolt.
  8. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  9. Disconnect the upper intermediate shaft from the lower intermediate shaft.

  10. Object Number: 731631  Size: SH

    Important: Note the direction of upper intermediate shaft to steering column pinch bolt for installation. The bolt must be installed in the same direction it was removed.

  11. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to steering column pinch bolt.
  12. Disconnect the upper intermediate shaft from the steering column.
  13. Remove the upper intermediate shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 731631  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the vehicle.
  2. Connect the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: The upper intermediate shaft to the steering column pinch bolt must be installed in the same direction it was removed or the pinch bolt will contact the steering column housing.

    Important: Perform the following procedure before installing the bolt.

    1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    2. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    3. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or LOCTITE™ 222.

  4. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column pinch bolt and nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column pinch bolt nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 687445  Size: SH
  6. Connect the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.
  7. Important: Perform the following procedure before installing the bolt.

    1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    2. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    3. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or LOCTITE™ 222.

  8. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

    Important: The upper intermediate shaft boot must completely cover the white insert of the lower intermediate shaft boot to ensure proper sealing.

  10. Connect the upper intermediate shaft boot to the lower intermediate shaft boot.
  11. Install the air outlet duct. Refer to Floor Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side .

  12. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  13. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.