GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

  1. Mark the relationships of the intermediate shaft to the following components in order to ensure proper installation:
  2. • The steering column shaft
    • The steering gear input shaft
  3. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

  4. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  5. Install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.
  6. Remove the upper fan shroud. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Upper Shroud Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  7. Object Number: 334078  Size: SH
  8. Remove the bolts from the underhood electrical center and set aside.

  9. Object Number: 284410  Size: SH
  10. Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the cowl.

  11. Object Number: 284408  Size: SH
  12. Remove the pinch bolt (3) from the intermediate shaft (2) at the steering column shaft (1).
  13. Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the steering gear.
  14. Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the vehicle.

  15. Object Number: 361689  Size: SH
  16. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft at the steering gear.
  17. Remove the intermediate shaft.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 361689  Size: SH
  1. Align the flat on the intermediate shaft with the flat on the steering gear shaft.
  2. Observe the marks that were made before the disassembly.

    Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear shaft.

    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.

  3. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 284410  Size: SH
  5. Install the intermediate shaft boot over the intermediate shaft.
  6. Do not secure the boot to the steering gear.


    Object Number: 284408  Size: SH
  7. Align the flat on the intermediate shaft with the flat on the steering column shaft.
  8. Observe the marks that were made before the disassembly.

    Install the intermediate shaft (2) to the steering column shaft (1).

  9. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt (3).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 284411  Size: SH
  11. Measure the intermediate shaft angle. For RWD, the angle must be 38-40 degrees.

  12. Object Number: 284412  Size: SH
  13. Measure the intermediate shaft angle. For A4WD, the angle must be 38-40 degrees.
  14. Install the intermediate shaft boot to the steering gear.
  15. Install the intermediate shaft boot cowl with the 4 screws.

  16. Object Number: 334078  Size: SH
  17. Install the underhood electrical center.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 5.5 N·m (4 lb ft).

  19. Install the upper fan shroud. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Upper Shroud Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  20. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  21. Remove the J 42640 .
  22. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.