GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Steering 🢒 Steering Wheel and Column - Standard 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

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.

    NOTICE: Once the steering column has been removed from the vehicle, it is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the steering column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the steering column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. Use only the specified steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered on as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  3. Remove the lower left insulator panel.
  4. Remove the left lower steering column filler panel.
  5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  6. Remove the tilt lever, if equipped. Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  7. Remove the upper and lower steering column trim covers.
  8. Remove SIR coil from the steering column and set aside .Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in Restraints.
  9. Disconnect the following electrical connections:
    10. 9.1. The Passlock™ cylinder
    9.2. The headlamp switch
    9.3. The windshield wiper switch
  10. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the park lock/brake transmission shift interlock cable from the lock cylinder housing assembly.

    11. Object Number: 443950 Size: SH
  11. Remove the upper flexible column bolt (2).
  12. Remove the column bracket support bolts (3).
  13. Remove the steering column (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 443950 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering column (1).

    2. 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.

    Important: Before inserting the intermediate shaft upper pinch bolt (7), verify that the hole aligns with the slot on the end of the steering column.

  2. Install the column bracket support bolts (3).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the column bracket support bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  3. Install the upper flexible column bolt (2).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the upper flexible column bolt to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).

  4. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, install the park lock/brake transmission shift interlock cable to the lock cylinder housing assembly.
  5. Connect the following electrical connections:
    6. 5.1. The headlamp switch
    5.2. The windshield wiper switch
    5.3. The Passlock™ cylinder
  6. Install the upper and lower steering column covers.
  7. Install the tilt lever, if equipped. Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  8. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  9. Install the lower steering column filler panel.
  10. Install the left lower sound insulator.
  11. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  12. Connect the negative battery cable.