GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket Replacement Column Shift

Tools Required

    • J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
    • J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 324919  Size: SH
  1. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  2. Remove the tilt spring assembly only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
  3. Remove the automatic transmission shift lock control.
  4. Use a screwdriver to pry the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column jacket assembly.

  5. Object Number: 662202  Size: SH
  6. Remove the 3 flat -head 6-lobed socket tapping screws from the linear shift assembly.
  7. Remove the linear shift assembly.


    Object Number: 324925  Size: SH
  8. Remove the following items from the steering shaft assembly:
  9. 6.1. The steering shaft seal (6)
    6.2. The sensor retainer (5)
    6.3. The lower spring retainer (4)
    6.4. The lower bearing spring (3)
    6.5. The lower bearing seat (2)
    6.6. The adapter and bearing assembly (1)
  10. Dispose of the lower spring retainer (4).

  11. Object Number: 324933  Size: SH
  12. Remove the 2 pivot pins from the steering column support assembly with J 21854-01 .

  13. Object Number: 324937  Size: SH
  14. Install the tilt knob and tilt the column to the upright position.
  15. Remove the upper tilt head assembly with the steering shaft assembly.

  16. Object Number: 299889  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly to ensure proper assembly. Failure to assemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

  17. Remove the steering shaft assembly (2) from the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  18. Object Number: 295954  Size: SH
  19. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly and disengage. If necessary, remove and discard the old centering sphere and spring.

  20. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  21. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  22. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere.
  23. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere from J 41688 .
  24. If necessary, discard the old centering sphere and the old joint preload spring.

  25. Object Number: 299877  Size: SH
  26. Remove the 4 steering column support TORX® screws from the steering column support assembly (1).
  27. Dispose of the 4 steering column support TORX® screws (2).
  28. Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly (3).
  29. Inspect the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 299877  Size: SH

    Important: Once the steering column support assembly has been staked 3 times, it must be replaced.

  1. Install the steering column support assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly (3).
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the 4 new steering column support TORX® screws (2).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the 4 steering column support TORX® screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 332949  Size: SH
  5. Lubricate the centering sphere (1) with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
  6. Install the centering sphere (1) and the joint preload spring (2) into J 41688 .

  7. Object Number: 299881  Size: SH
  8. Compress the centering sphere and joint preload spring. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.

  9. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  10. Install the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  11. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees.

  12. Object Number: 299887  Size: SH
  13. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly with J 41688 .
  14. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees from J 41688 and remove with the race and upper shaft assembly.

  15. Object Number: 299888  Size: SH
  16. Lubricate the centering sphere with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
  17. Install the lower shaft assembly to the race and upper shaft assembly.

  18. Object Number: 299889  Size: SH
  19. Install the steering shaft assembly (2) into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  20. Object Number: 306326  Size: SH
  21. Install the steering column tilt head assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly (4).
  22. Install the 2 pivot pins (3).
  23. Stake the pivot pins location (2).

  24. Object Number: 324925  Size: SH
  25. Install the following components onto the steering shaft assembly:
  26. 16.1. The adapter and bearing assembly (1)
    16.2.  The lower bearing seat (2)
    16.3.  The lower bearing spring (3)
    16.4.  The lower spring retainer (4)
    16.5.  The sensor retainer (5)
    16.6.  The steering shaft seal (6)

    Object Number: 662202  Size: SH
  27. Install the linear shift assembly.
  28. Install the 3 flat -head 6-lobed socket tapping screws
  29. The linear shift assembly must be out of the PARK position to install the lower socket tapping screw.

    Tighten
    Tighten the 3 flat -head 6-lobed lobed socket tapping screws to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 324919  Size: SH
  30. Install the automatic transmission shift lock control.
  31. Install the gear shift lever and put the column in the NEUTRAL position.

  32. Object Number: 324912  Size: SH
  33. Adjust the automatic transmission shift lock control using the following steps:
  34. 21.1. Pull the tab (1) out on the block side (2) of the automatic transmission shift lock control.
    21.2. Press on the adjuster block (2) to compress the internal adjuster spring to disengage the adjuster teeth. Slide the adjuster block (2) as far away from the solenoid as possible.
    21.3. Lock in place by pushing the tab (1) back in.
  35. Inspect the automatic transmission shift lock control using the following steps:
  36. 22.1. The automatic transmission shift lock control must lock the shift lever clevis when it is put into the PARK position.
    22.2. When the column is installed in the vehicle you will not be able to shift the gear shift lever out of the PARK position without pressing on the brake pedal. The solenoid will be energized.
    22.3. Readjust if needed.
  37. Install the tilt spring assembly only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
  38. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket Replacement Floor Shift

Tools Required

    • J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
    • J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  2. Remove the tilt spring only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 322982  Size: SH
  4. Remove the 2 pan head screws (1) from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2).
  5. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2).

  6. Object Number: 368504  Size: SH
  7. Remove the steering shaft seal (1).
  8. Remove the sensor retainer (2) from the adapter and bearing assembly.

  9. Object Number: 322997  Size: SH
  10. Remove the following components from the steering shaft assembly:
  11. 7.1. The lower spring retainer (1).
    7.2. Dispose of the lower spring retainer (1).
    7.3. The lower bearing spring (2).
    7.4. The lower bearing seat (3) from the adapter and bearing assembly (4).
    7.5. The adapter and bearing assembly (4).

    Object Number: 306307  Size: SH
  12. Remove the 2 pivot pins (3) from the steering column support assembly (1) by using J 21854-01 .

  13. Object Number: 322998  Size: SH
  14. Install the tilt knob into the steering column tilt head assembly.
  15. Pull back on the tilt knob and at the same time pull the steering column tilt head assembly down and away from the steering column.
  16. Remove the steering column tilt head assembly (1) with the steering shaft assembly from the steering column support assembly (2).
  17. Remove the tilt knob.

  18. Object Number: 306316  Size: SH
  19. Remove the steering shaft assembly (2) from the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  20. Object Number: 306318  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly before disassembly. Failure to assemble the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly correctly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

  21. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly (2).
  22. Disengage the race and upper shaft assembly (1) from the lower shaft assembly (2).

  23. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  24. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
  25. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere.
  26. Remove the shaft preload spring from the centering sphere.
  27. If necessary, discard the old centering sphere and the old joint preload spring.

  28. Object Number: 306322  Size: SH
  29. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (2) from the steering column support assembly (1).
  30. Dispose of the 4 TORX® head screws.
  31. Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 306322  Size: SH

    Important: Replace the steering column support assembly and the pivot pins if they have been staked 3 times.

  1. Attach the steering column support assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly with the 4 TORX® head screws (2).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the 4 TORX® head screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 332949  Size: SH
  3. Lubricate the centering sphere with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516) .
  4. Install the centering sphere (1) and the joint preload spring (2) by using J 41688 .
  5. Place the base of J 41688 in a vise.
  6. Place the bottom half of the new centering sphere (1), the new joint preload spring (2), the top half of the new centering sphere (1), into J 41688 .

  7. Object Number: 299881  Size: SH
  8. Compress the centering sphere and the joint preload spring.
  9. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.

  10. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  11. Attach the race and upper shaft assembly (1) to the centering sphere.
  12. Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly (1) downward 90 degrees until the centering sphere is locked in place.

  13. Object Number: 299887  Size: SH
  14. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly and J 41688 from the vise.
  15. Disassemble J 41688 by separating the base.
  16. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly, which is now attached to the centering sphere, from J 41688 .

  17. Object Number: 299888  Size: SH
  18. Lubricate the centering sphere with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
  19. Align the lower steering shaft assembly to the race and upper shaft assembly by using the marks from the disassembly procedure.
  20. Tilt the lower steering shaft assembly at 90 degrees to the race and upper shaft assembly.
  21. Install the lower steering shaft assembly onto the race and upper shaft assembly.

  22. Object Number: 299889  Size: SH
  23. Install the steering shaft assembly (2) into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).

  24. Object Number: 295949  Size: SH
  25. Install the steering shaft assembly with the steering column tilt head assembly (1) into the steering column support assembly.
  26. Move the tilt knob and push the steering column tilt head assembly up towards the steering column in order to lock the steering wheel lock shoes in place.

  27. Object Number: 299893  Size: SH

    Important: Replace the steering column support assembly and the pivot pins if they have been staked 3 times.

  28. Stake the steering column support assembly in 3 locations.
  29. Install the 2 pivot pins (1) into the steering column tilt head assembly.
  30. 21.1. Lubricate the pivot pins (1) with GM P/N 12346293 (Canadian P/N 992723).
    21.2. Firmly seat each pivot pin (1) into the steering column tilt head assembly.

    Object Number: 322997  Size: SH
  31. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (4) onto the steering column jacket assembly.
  32. 22.1. Align the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly (4) with the slot in the steering column jacket assembly.
    22.2. Push the adapter and bearing assembly (4) onto the steering shaft assembly until the tab snaps into the slot.
  33. Install the lower bearing seat (3) onto the adapter and bearing assembly (4). The lower bearing seat must contact the adapter and bearing assembly (4).
  34. Install the lower bearing spring (2) onto the steering shaft assembly.
  35. Install the lower spring retainer (1) onto the steering shaft assembly.

  36. Object Number: 368504  Size: SH

    Important: Align the block tooth on the steering shaft assembly to the 12 o'clock position.

  37. Install the sensor retainer (2) onto the adapter and bearing assembly using the following steps:
  38. 26.1. Align the slots of the sensor retainer (2) to the ribs of the adapter and bearing assembly.
    26.2. Push the sensor retainer (2) onto the steering shaft assembly so that the sensor retainer (2) contacts the adapter and bearing assembly.
  39. Install the steering shaft seal (1) onto the steering shaft assembly.

  40. Object Number: 322982  Size: SH

    Important: The electrical contact from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly must rest on the turn signal cancel cam assembly.

  41. Install the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2) onto the steering column tilt head assembly.
  42. Screw the 2 pan head tapping screws (1) into the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2).
  43. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 pan head tapping screws to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  44. Install the tilt spring only. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
  45. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .