GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 41352 Modular Column Holding Fixture

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.

  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

  2. Object Number: 442014  Size: SH
  3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3) from the multifunction switch (1).
  6. Remove the electrical harness from the steering column.
  7. Remove the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  8. Remove the driver's insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

  9. Object Number: 296676  Size: SH
  10. Remove the upper pinch bolt (3) from the intermediate shaft (4).

  11. Object Number: 442160  Size: SH
  12. Remove the lower mounting bolts (3) from the steering column.
  13. Remove the upper mounting bolts (1) from the steering column.
  14. 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.

  15. Remove the steering column (2).
  16. Install the steering column onto J 41352 .

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .

  2. Object Number: 442160  Size: SH

    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.

  3. Install the steering column (2).
  4. 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.

  5. Install the lower mounting bolts (3) to the steering column.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  7. Install the upper mounting bolts (1) to the steering column.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).


    Object Number: 296676  Size: SH
  9. Install the upper pinch bolt (3) to the intermediate shaft (4).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  11. Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.

  12. Object Number: 442014  Size: SH
  13. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the multifunction switch (1).
  14. Install the electrical harness to the steering column.
  15. Install the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
  16. Install the driver's insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  17. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.