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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2004 >> Impala SS >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Replacement >> Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Replacement >> Removal Procedure
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Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
  2. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement .
  3. Rotate the steering wheel a small amount in both directions to relieve the steering system of any load.
    4. Fig 1: View Of Steering Wheel
    G00562656Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Preventing the steering wheel from rotating with masking tape will protect the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) coil and will aid in the reassembly of the upper and lower steering column jackets.
  4. Install enough masking tape around the steering wheel (1) and the turn signal and windshield wiper and washer switches to prevent the steering wheel from rotating during removal of the upper steering column jacket.
    5. NOTE: On some applications, the steering column upper trim cover is attached to the instrument panel cluster trim plate bezel. Complete trim cover removal is NOT required, reposition the cover out of way.
  5. Remove or disengage the steering column upper trim cover from the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT .
    6. Fig 2: Upper Steering Column Electrical Connectors
    G00562657Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Disconnect any electrical connectors (1) from the steering column as necessary to remove the upper steering column jacket from the vehicle.
  7. If equipped with adjustable pedals, remove the adjustable pedal bracket assembly and reposition the assembly leaving the brake pedal cable and motor attached. Refer to ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET REPLACEMENT .
    8. Fig 3: Steering Column Upper Bolts
    G00562658Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove the steering column upper bolts (1).
    9. Fig 4: Match Marks on Steering Column Jackets and Lower Steering Column Housing
    G00562659Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Lower the steering column and place match marks on the upper steering column jacket and the lower steering column jacket (1) and the lower steering column jacket, snap ring and lower steering column housing (2) to aid in alignment of the steering column's splined shafts during reassembly.
    10. Fig 5: Upper Steering Column Jacket
    G00562660Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. With the steering column fully assembled, remove the upper steering column jacket (1) from the lower steering column jacket and vehicle.
  11. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. For 2008-09, refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT . For 2010/1, refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT . For 2012, refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT .
    12. Fig 6: Lower Steering Column Electrical Connectors
    G00562661Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Disconnect any electrical connectors (1) from the lower steering column and motor assembly as necessary to remove the lower steering column jacket from vehicle.
    13. Fig 7: Lower Steering Column Pivot Bolt
    G00562662Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the lower steering column pivot bolt (1).
    14. Fig 8: Lower Steering Column Jacket And Motor Assembly
    G00562663Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Remove the lower steering column jacket and motor assembly (1) from the vehicle.
    15. Fig 9: Lower Steering Column Housing in a Vise
    G00562664Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Do NOT clamp onto the lower steering column jacket when positioning the lower steering column jacket and motor assembly in the vise. Only secure the assembly in a vise around the lower steering column housing as shown. Only tighten the vise enough to secure the housing, do not overtighten.
  15. Place the lower steering column housing (1) in a vise with the snap ring ears facing the technician.
    16. Fig 10: Removing Snap Ring
    G00562665Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    WARNING: Removal or installation of the snap ring requires use of J-45126 and adapter GE-45126-5 snap ring pliers, using any tool other than J-45126 and adapter GE-45126-5 may result in personal injury. For your safety, always wear safety glasses when using J-45126 and adapter GE-45126-5. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.
    WARNING: Do not use GE-45126-5 tips with J-45126 snap ring pliers for any service procedure other than Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Replacement (Electronic Power Steering). Using J-45126 and adapter GE-45126-5 for any other service procedure may result in personal injury.
  16. Use the J-45126 pliers (1) and the GE-45126-5 adapters (2) to remove the snap ring (3) from the lower steering column housing.
    17. Fig 11: Lower Steering Column Jacket
    G00562666Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Remove the lower steering column jacket (1) from the lower steering column shaft and housing.
    18. Fig 12: Felt Ring Washer
    G00562667Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: The felt ring washer is a NEW part and is not included in the original steering column assembly.
  18. If equipped, remove the felt ring washer (1) from the lower steering column shaft and housing.
    19. Fig 13: Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Electrical Connector
    G00562668Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Release the lock tab on the steering shaft torque sensor electrical connector (1) and disconnect the sensor from the steering column module.
    20. Fig 14: Wiring Harness Seal
    G00562669Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Remove the steering shaft torque sensor wiring harness clip (1) from the steering column module bracket and remove the wiring harness seal (2).
    21. Fig 15: Steering Shaft Torque Sensor
    G00562670Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Use a flat bladed screwdriver under the tab of the steering shaft torque sensor (1) and a pick on the opposite side to carefully pry up and remove the sensor from the lower steering column housing.
    22. Fig 16: Lower Steering Column Housing
    G00562751Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Leave the grease in the lower steering column housing. Adding additional grease is NOT necessary.
  22. Inspect the steering shaft torque sensor cavity in the lower steering column housing (1) for debris. If debris is present, remove the debris carefully with a pick tool or needle nose pliers. Also inspect the steering column shaft slot (keyway) for any visible damage.
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