Tools Required

J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
2. Remove the steering column tilt head housing. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .



3. Remove the steering shaft seal (2) and retainer (1) from the end of the steering shaft assembly.



4. Remove and discard the lower spring retainer (4).
5. Remove the lower bearing spring (3).
6. Remove the lower bearing seat (2).
7. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1) from steering column jacket assembly.



8. Remove the steering shaft assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.



9. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws and the steering column support assembly.




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

10. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly from the lower steering shaft assembly.
11. Tilt to 90 degrees to each other and disengage. Rotate the sphere 90 degrees and lift.



12. Remove the centering sphere from the race and upper shaft assembly. Rotate the sphere 90 degrees and slip out.



13. Remove the joint preload spring from the centering sphere.

1. Install the joint preload spring (2) into the centering sphere (1) using J 41688 and lubricate with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).



2. Compress the centering sphere and joint preload spring. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.



3. Install the upper shaft assembly.
4. After the race and upper shaft (1) assembly is firmly attached to the centering sphere, rotate the shaft 90 degrees downward locking the centering sphere in place.



5. Remove the centering sphere installer and the race and upper shaft assembly from the vise.
6. Disassemble the tool by separating the base. After the tool is disassembled, remove the shaft with the attached sphere.




Important: When assembling upper and lower shafts ensure alignment marks.

7. Install the race and upper shaft assembly to the lower shaft assembly and lubricate with GM P/N 12345718 (Canadian P/N 10953516).
8. Tilt to 90 degrees to each other and engage.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.





Important: Replace the steering column support assembly if the steering column support assembly has been staked 3 times.

9. Install the steering column support assembly to the steering column jacket assembly with the 4 TORX® head screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).




10. Install the steering shaft assembly to the steering column support assembly and to the steering column jacket assembly.



11. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly. Position the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly with the slot in the steering column jacket assembly and push together.
12. Install the lower bearing seat (2).
13. Install the lower bearing spring (3).
14. Install the lower spring retainer (4).

When installing, compress the lower bearing spring to the length between the lower bearing seat and the lower spring retainer.




15. Install the retainer (1).
16. Install the steering shaft seal (2) to the end of steering shaft assembly.
17. Install the steering column tilt head housing. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .
18. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.