GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle Tilt Column

Tools Required

    • J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
    • J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

    Object Number: 324887  Size: SH

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

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  1. Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  2. Remove the electronic lock module assembly. Refer to Electronic Column Lock Module - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .
  3. Remove the tilt spring assembly only. Refer to Tilt Spring - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .
  4. Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  5. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly from the steering column tilt head assembly.


    Object Number: 324919  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not use excessive force when removing the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column. Using excessive force may cause damage to the automatic transmission shift lock control and/or the steering column.

  6. Remove the automatic transmission shift lock control.
  7. Put the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position
  8. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column jacket assembly.

  9. Object Number: 662202  Size: SH
  10. Remove the 3 flat head 6-lobed socket tapping screws from the linear shift assembly.
  11. Remove the linear shift assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.


    Object Number: 343870  Size: SH
  12. Remove the foam insulator (1) from the lower end of the steering shaft assembly.

  13. Object Number: 343881  Size: SH
  14. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1).

  15. Object Number: 324933  Size: SH
  16. Remove the 2 pivot pins from the steering column support assembly with J 21854-01 .

  17. Object Number: 324937  Size: SH
  18. Install the tilt lever. Tilt the column to the upright position.
  19. Remove the upper tilt head assembly with the steering shaft assembly from the steering column support assembly.

  20. Object Number: 324936  Size: SH
  21. Remove the steering shaft assembly (1) from the upper tilt head assembly.
  22. Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly to ensure proper reassembly. Failure to reassemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

  23. Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly.
  24. Check the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle .

  25. Object Number: 295954  Size: SH
  26. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly. Disengage the race and upper shaft assembly from the lower shaft assembly.

  27. Object Number: 299885  Size: SH
  28. If necessary, remove the centering sphere and joint preload spring in the following way:
  29. 17.1. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
    17.2. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere.
    17.3. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere from J 41688 .
    17.4. If necessary, discard the centering sphere and the joint preload spring.

    Object Number: 299877  Size: SH
  30. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (2) from the steering column support assembly (1).
  31. Discard the 4 TORX® head screws (2).
  32. Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly (3).

Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle Standard Column


    Object Number: 324887  Size: SH

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

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  1. Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  2. Remove the electronic lock module assembly. Refer to Electronic Column Lock Module - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .
  3. Inspect the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle .
  4. Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
  5. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly from the steering column housing assembly.


    Object Number: 324906  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not use excessive force when removing the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column. Using excessive force may cause damage to the automatic transmission shift lock control and/or the steering column.

  6. Remove the automatic transmission shift lock control in the following way:
  7. 5.1. Put the shift lever clevis into the NEUTRAL position
    5.2. Use a small screwdriver to gently pry the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column jacket assembly and the cable shift cam assembly.

    Object Number: 662202  Size: SH
  8. Remove the 3 flat head 6-lobed socket tapping screws from the linear shift assembly.
  9. Remove the linear shift assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.


    Object Number: 343870  Size: SH
  10. Remove the foam insulator (1) from the lower end of the steering shaft assembly.

  11. Object Number: 343881  Size: SH
  12. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1).

  13. Object Number: 389648  Size: SH
  14. Remove the steering shaft assembly (1) from the steering column support assembly (2) and the steering column jacket assembly (3).

  15. Object Number: 389651  Size: SH
  16. Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (1) from the steering column support assembly (2).
  17. Discard the 4 TORX® head screws (1).
  18. Remove the steering column support assembly (2) from the steering column jacket assembly (3).