GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Important: If the inflatable restraint module is deployed, inspect the SIR coil.

Replace the SIR coil if the SIR coil exhibits any signs of damage caused by excessive heat.

  1. Disconnect the battery ground (negative) cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  3. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  4. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  6. Remove the instrument panel left insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  7. Push the top of the intermediate shaft seal down in order to access to the intermediate shaft coupling upper bolt.
  8. Install the J 42640 to the steering column.
  9. 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.

  10. Remove the steering intermediate shaft from the steering column. Refer to Lower/Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

  11. Object Number: 161141  Size: SH
  12. Remove the transaxle shift cable from the steering column.
  13. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.

  14. Object Number: 305570  Size: SH
  15. Remove the steering column bolts.
  16. Remove the steering column nuts.
  17. Remove the steering column anchor cable from the bracket stud.
  18. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering column to the intermediate shaft. Refer to Lower/Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
  3. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
  4. Install the steering column anchor cable to the bracket stud.

  5. Object Number: 305570  Size: SH

    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.

  6. LOOSELY install the steering column nuts.
  7. 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.

  8. Install the steering column bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column fasteners in the proper order.

    6.1. Tighten the steering column bolts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
    6.2. Tighten the steering column nuts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
  10. Install the intermediate shaft seal to the steering column.

  11. Object Number: 161141  Size: SH
  12. Install the transaxle shift cable to the steering column.
  13. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
  14. Install the instrument panel left side insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.
  15. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  16. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  18. Connect the battery ground (negative) cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.