GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Column Replacement Electronic Power Steering

Important: Remove the steering column only if:

   • The steering column requires replacement.
   • The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
   • Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

Removal Procedure

  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
  2. Remove the following components. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement.
  3. 2.1. The steering wheel inflatable restraint module
    2.2. The steering wheel
    2.3. The hood primary latch release cable handle
    2.4. The driver knee bolster
    2.5. The steering column lower trim cover
    2.6. The steering column upper trim cover
    2.7. The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
    2.8. The turn signal multifunction switch
    2.9. The windshield wiper and washer switch
    2.10. The turn signal switch bracket.
    2.11. The ignition and start switch housing
  4. Remove the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.
  5. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.
  6. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.

  7. Object Number: 1868380  Size: SH
  8. Remove the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (2) and the electronic power steering motor control module bracket assembly (1).

  9. Object Number: 1865910  Size: SH
  10. Use paint in order place match marks on the steering shaft coupling and on the lower portion of the steering column shaft.
  11. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1).
  12. Discard the bolt.

  13. Separate the steering shaft coupling from the steering column shaft.

  14. Object Number: 1866096  Size: SH
  15. Remove the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1).

  16. Object Number: 1866094  Size: SH
  17. Remove the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1).
  18. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify the front tires are in the straight-ahead position.
  2. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column and transfer any parts as necessary.
  3. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
  4. Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting bolts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

  5. Align the match marks and carefully guide the steering shaft coupling onto the steering column shaft.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1865910  Size: SH
  7. Install a NEW steering shaft coupling bolt (1).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the steering shaft coupling bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1866094  Size: SH

    Important: Hand tighten all steering column support bracket bolts before tightening the bolts to the specifications.

  9. Install the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column upper support bracket bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft)


    Object Number: 1866096  Size: SH
  11. Install the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column lower support bracket bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft)


    Object Number: 1868380  Size: SH
  13. Install the electronic power steering motor control module bracket assembly (1) and the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (1).
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 11.5 N·m (102 lb in).

  15. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.
  16. Connect the electrical connectors as necessary.
  17. Install the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.
  18. Center the inflatable restraint module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering.
  19. Install the following components. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement.
  20. 13.1. The ignition and start switch housing
    13.2. The turn signal switch bracket.
    13.3. The windshield wiper and washer switch
    13.4. The turn signal multifunction switch
    13.5. The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
    13.6. The steering column upper trim cover
    13.7. The steering column lower trim cover
    13.8. The driver knee bolster
    13.9. The hood primary latch release cable handle
    13.10. The steering wheel
    13.11. The steering wheel inflatable restraint module

    Important: If you are installing a NEW EPS column, use the Saturn Service Stall (SSS) in order to program the EPS controller on the column.

  21. Refer to Control Module References for programming and setup information.

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

       • The steering column
       • The intermediate shaft
       • The steering gear
    After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

  1. Remove the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.
  2. Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement.
  3. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.

  4. Object Number: 1868380  Size: SH
  5. If equipped with an electronic power steering column, remove the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (2) and the electronic power steering motor control module and bracket assembly (1).

  6. Object Number: 1865910  Size: SH

    Note: Place alignment marks on the steering shaft coupling and the steering column shaft prior to removal in order to mark the correct alignment of the pieces.

  7. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1) at the steering column and discard it.
  8. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.

  9. Separate the steering shaft coupling from the steering column.

  10. Object Number: 1866096  Size: SH
  11. Remove the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1).
  12. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.


    Object Number: 1866094  Size: SH
  13. Remove the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1).
  14. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.

  15. Remove the steering column from the vehicle and transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure

    Note: If replacing the steering column, failure to transfer the scribed marks may result in an off-center steering wheel.

  1. If a new steering column is being installed then transfer the pre-scribed alignment marks on to the new part.
  2. Position the steering column to the vehicle.
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1866094  Size: SH

    Note: Hand tighten all steering column support bracket bolts before finalizing any torques.

  4. Install the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1) and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  5. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.


    Object Number: 1866096  Size: SH
  6. Install the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1) and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  7. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.

  8. Align the scribed marks on the steering shaft coupling to the scribed marks on the steering column shaft and connect them.

  9. Object Number: 1865910  Size: SH
  10. Install the new steering shaft coupling bolt (1) at the steering column and tighten to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).
  11. An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.

  12. For vehicles with hydraulic power steering, install the new steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering column and tighten to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
  13. For vehicles with two mode hybrid steering, install the new steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering column and tighten to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  14. Object Number: 1868380  Size: SH
  15. If equipped with an electronic power steering column, position the electronic power steering motor control module and bracket assembly (1).
  16. Install the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (2) and tighten to 11.5 N·m (102 lb in).
  17. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.
  18. Note: 

       • When installing a NEW service replacement electronic power steering column (non-two mode hybrid), the Saturn Service Stall (SSS) must be utilized to properly program the electronic power steering controller contained with the electronic power steering column.
       • Ensure the steering wheel alignment is in the 12 o'clock position.

  19. Refer to Control Module References for programming and setup information if equipped with electronic power steering.
  20. Install the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement.
  21. Install the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.

Steering Column Replacement Hydraulic Power Steering

Important: Remove the steering column only if:

   • The steering column requires replacement.
   • The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
   • Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

Removal Procedure

  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
  2. Remove the following components. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement.
  3. 2.1. The steering wheel inflatable restraint module
    2.2. The steering wheel
    2.3. The hood primary latch release cable handle
    2.4. The driver knee bolster
    2.5. The steering column lower trim cover
    2.6. The steering column upper trim cover
  4. Remove the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors as necessary.
  6. Remove the turn signal and headlamp switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement.
  7. Remove the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement.
  8. Remove the steering wheel inflatable restraint module coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement.
  9. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.

  10. Object Number: 1768734  Size: SH
  11. Use paint in order place match marks on the steering shaft coupling and on the lower portion of the steering column shaft.
  12. Remove the steering shaft coupling pinch bolt.
  13. Separate the steering shaft coupling from the steering column shaft.

  14. Object Number: 1768916  Size: SH
  15. Remove the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt.

  16. Object Number: 1768917  Size: SH
  17. Remove the steering column assembly upper bracket bolts.
  18. 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.

  19. Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.
  20. Remove the steering angle sensor from the steering column shaft. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Replacement.

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify the front tires are in the straight-ahead position.
  2. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column and transfer any parts as necessary.
  3. Install the steering angle sensor to the steering column shaft. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Replacement.
  4. Position the steering column in the vehicle.

  5. Object Number: 1768734  Size: SH

    Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting bolts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

  6. Align the match marks and carefully guide the steering shaft coupling onto the steering column shaft.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the pinch bolt into the steering shaft coupling.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the steering shaft coupling bolt to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1768916  Size: SH

    Important: Hand tighten all steering column support bracket bolts before tightening the bolts to the specifications.

  10. Install the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1768917  Size: SH
  12. Install the upper bracket bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column assembly upper bracket bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  14. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.
  15. Center the inflatable restraint module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering.
  16. Install the inflatable restraint module coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement.
  17. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement.
  18. Install the turn signal and headlamp switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement.
  19. Connect the electrical connectors as necessary.
  20. Install the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement.
  21. Install the following components. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement.
  22. 16.1. The steering column upper trim cover
    16.2. The steering column lower trim cover
    16.3. The driver knee bolster
    16.4. The hood primary latch release cable handle
    16.5. The steering wheel
    16.6. The steering wheel inflatable restraint module
  23. Perform the steering angle sensor centering procedure. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering.