Steering Column Replacement

Fig 1: Steering Column

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout	Component Name
CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft(s) After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil. Preliminary Procedures With the front wheels in the straight ahead position, secure the steering wheel. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling . Remove the upper trim cover and the lower trim cover from the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement . Remove the driver's knee air bag and the steering column opening lower filler. Refer to Steering Column Opening Lower Filler Replacement . Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering column shaft and on the intermediate steering shaft. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
1	Steering Column Nut (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . TIP: The steering column nut attaches to a stud that is welded to a bracket. Tighten 22 N.m (16 lb ft)
2	Steering Column CAUTION: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section. Procedure Disconnect any electrical connectors as necessary. Push the steering column down on the lower instrument panel retainer in order to clear the studs. Transfer any parts as necessary. Refer to the following procedures as necessary: Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement Steering Wheel Replacement Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Replacement Steering Angle Sensor Replacement If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old steering column to the new steering column. After installation, center the steering angle sensor. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering .

Callout

Component Name

CAUTION:

With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

The steering column
The steering shaft coupling
The intermediate shaft(s)

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

Preliminary Procedures

With the front wheels in the straight ahead position, secure the steering wheel.
Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
Remove the upper trim cover and the lower trim cover from the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement .
Remove the driver's knee air bag and the steering column opening lower filler. Refer to Steering Column Opening Lower Filler Replacement .
Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering column shaft and on the intermediate steering shaft.
Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

Steering Column Nut (Qty: 4)

CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

TIP: The steering column nut attaches to a stud that is welded to a bracket.
Tighten
22 N.m (16 lb ft)

Steering Column

CAUTION:

Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

Procedure

Disconnect any electrical connectors as necessary.
Push the steering column down on the lower instrument panel retainer in order to clear the studs.
Transfer any parts as necessary. Refer to the following procedures as necessary:
If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old steering column to the new steering column.
After installation, center the steering angle sensor. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering .