Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

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.

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



2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640 .



3. Remove the underhood electrical center mounting bolts and position the underhood electrical center out of the way.



4. Remove the intermediate shaft boot to cowl retaining bolts.



5. Remove the intermediate shaft (2) to steering column (1) pinch bolt (3).
6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering column shaft (1).
7. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
8. Remove the driver's side knee bolster deflector. Refer to Knee Bolster Deflector Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
9. Remove the range selector cable from the steering column shift lever. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E.



10. Disconnect the 48-way connector wiring harness from the base of the steering column.




Important: Support the steering column while loosening the steering column mounting nuts.

11. Remove the lower steering column mounting nuts.
12. Remove the upper steering column mounting nuts.
13. Remove the steering column.

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
2. Install the lower column mounting nuts. Do not tighten the nuts.

Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

•	Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

•	Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

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 upper column mounting nuts.

Tighten

1. Tighten the lower column mounting nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
2. Tighten the upper column mounting nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).



4. Connect the 48-way steering column wire harness to the instrument panel wire harness.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column wire harness connector bolt to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

5. Install the range selector cable to the steering column shift lever. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E.
6. Install the driver's knee bolster deflector. Refer to Knee Bolster Deflector Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
7. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .



8. Install the intermediate shaft (2) to the steering column shaft (1).
9. Install the intermediate shaft to steering column pinch bolt.



10. Install the intermediate shaft boot to cowl retaining bolts.



11. Install the underhood electrical center to the cowl.
12. Install the underhood electrical center to cowl mounting bolts.



13. Unlock the steering column by removing the J 42640 from the lower steering column trim cover.
14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.