GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1997 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Steering 🢒 Steering Wheel and Column 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  2. Remove the inflator module from the steering wheel. Refer to Supplemental Inflatable Restraint .
  3. Remove the steering wheel from the steering column. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the tilt wheel lever from the steering column. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  5. Turn the steering wheel far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling bolt.

    6. Object Number: 70106 Size: SH
  6. Remove the upper coupling bolt.
  7. Turn the steering wheel back to the right until the wheels are in a straight ahead position and lock the steering column.
  8. Remove the driver's side knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  9. Remove the driver's side knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  10. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the column.

    11. Object Number: 70120 Size: SH
  11. Remove the nuts from lower steering column support plate.

    12. Object Number: 70116 Size: SH
  12. Remove the upper steering column bracket nuts from the upper reinforcement assembly (3).
  13. Slide the steering column (2) off of the intermediate shaft.
  14. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.

    15. Rotate the steering column clockwise as the bottom of the steering column reaches the reinforcement assembly. This will allow the Steering Wheel Position sensor room to clear the instrument panel brace.

Installation Procedure
  1. Position the steering column assembly (2) into the vehicle and insert the lower steering shaft assembly into the upper coupling of the intermediate shaft.
  2. Install the cross car locating bushing (1) on the right hand mounting stud.

    3. Object Number: 70116 Size: SH
  3. Install the upper steering column bracket nuts to the upper reinforcement assembly (3).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the upper steering column bracket nuts to 24 N·m (17 lb ft).

    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.


    Object Number: 70120 Size: SH
  4. Install the lower steering column support plate (1) nuts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the lower steering column support plate nuts to 24 N·m (17 lb ft).

  5. Turn steering column far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling of the intermediate shaft.

    6. Object Number: 70106 Size: SH
  6. Install the upper coupling bolt.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the upper coupling bolt to 47.5 N·m (35 lb ft).

  7. Connect all the electrical connectors (except SIR) to the column.
  8. Install the drivers side knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  9. Install the drivers side knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

    10. Important: Do not over torque steering wheel set nut. Over torquing the set nut will cause the steering wheel to rub on the SIR coil and may damage the coil.

  10. Install the tilt wheel lever. Refer to Tilt Wheel Lever .
  11. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the steering wheel set nut to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).

  12. Install the inflator module. Refer to Supplemental Inflatable Restraint .
  13. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  14. Perform SIR Diagnostic System Check. Refer to SIR Diagnostic System Check in SIR.