GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Tracker - 4WD 🢒 Restraints 🢒 SIR 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: 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.

    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: Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

    Important: In the event of deployment, inspect the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If there is damage to the coil assembly, replace the coil assembly.

  1. Disable the SIR. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

    2. 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.

  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

    3. Important: If you are servicing the steering column or any column-mounted component, remove the steering wheel. If you are removing the steering column in order to gain access to the instrument panel components, leave the steering wheel installed on the column.

  3. Remove the steering wheel, if necessary. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.

    5. Object Number: 349630 Size: SH
  5. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil (1), if necessary. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  6. Remove the ignition switch electrical connector.

    7. Object Number: 349658 Size: SH
  7. Remove the bracket retaining screw (1) and the C-clip (4) at the ignition switch lock cylinder (3) on automatic transmission equipped models.
  8. Remove the park lock cable (2) from the ignition switch.

    9. Object Number: 349662 Size: SH
  9. Remove the 4 bolts (3, 4) from the steering column-to-bulkhead plate.

    10. Object Number: 349681 Size: SH
  10. Remove the bolt in order to disconnect the steering shaft (1) from the lower steering shaft (2).

    11. Object Number: 349662 Size: SH
  11. Remove the 2 steering column mounting Torx® bolts (2) from the steering column (5).
  12. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 349681 Size: SH
  1. Insert the steering shaft (1) into the lower shaft joint (2) in order to position the steering column in the vehicle.

    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.

  2. Secure the steering column with the steering shaft joint bolt.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the steering shaft joint bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 349662 Size: SH
  3. Install the 2 steering column mounting Torx® bolts (2) and the 4 bolts (3, 4) to the column-to-bulkhead plate.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the 6 steering column fastening bolts to 14 N·m (124 lb in).


    Object Number: 349658 Size: SH
  4. Install the park lock cable (2) to the ignition switch, if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission.
  5. Secure the park lock cable (2) with the bracket retaining screw (1) and the C-clip (4) at the ignition switch lock cylinder (3) for automatic transmission equipped vehicles.

    6. Object Number: 349630 Size: SH
  6. Install the ignition switch electrical connector.
  7. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.
  8. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil (1), if necessary. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  9. Install the steering wheel to the steering column, if necessary. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  10. Connect the negative battery cable.
  11. Enable the SIR. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.