GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The left-hand drive model is shown. The right-hand drive model is similar.

Important: Remove the steering column only if:

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

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

  1. Adjust the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
  2. Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute in order to deactivate the air bag. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  4. Remove the lower instrument trim panels. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 1308107  Size: SH
  6. Remove the lower steering column cover panel screws.
  7. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screws. Remove the upper steering column cover panel screws.
  8. Remove the upper steering column cover panel and the lower steering column cover panel.
  9. Remove the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .
  10. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module, if equipped. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  11. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  12. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil, if equipped. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  13. Remove the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 1988152  Size: SH
  15. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.

  16. Object Number: 1248391  Size: SH

    Important: Do not drop the key interlock solenoid spring.

  17. Remove the key interlock solenoid screws and the key interlock solenoid.
  18. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.

  19. Object Number: 1308235  Size: SH
  20. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft universal joint.

  21. Object Number: 1975334  Size: SH
  22. Disconnect the speed sensitive steering electrical connector.

  23. Object Number: 1308236  Size: SH
  24. Remove the nuts and the bolts holding the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.

  25. Object Number: 1308238  Size: SH
  26. Remove the nuts holding the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
  27. 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.

  28. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1308241  Size: SH

    Important: For proper installation of the steering column, ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

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

  1. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the intermediate shaft universal joint.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1308242  Size: SH
  5. Install the nuts and the bolts for the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column jacket assembly front bracket nuts and the bolts to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  7. Install the nuts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket nuts to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1975334  Size: SH
  9. Connect the speed sensitive steering electrical connector.
  10. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.

  11. Object Number: 1248391  Size: SH
  12. Install the key interlock solenoid and the key interlock solenoid screws.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).


    Object Number: 1988152  Size: SH
  14. Install the key reminder switch and the key reminder switch screws.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  16. Install the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  17. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  18. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  19. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  20. Install the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .

  21. Object Number: 1308107  Size: SH
  22. Install the upper steering column cover panel and the lower steering column cover panel.
  23. Install the lower steering column cover panel screws.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  25. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screw holes. Install the upper steering column cover panel screws.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the upper steering column cover panel screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  27. Install the lower instrument trim panels. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  28. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position. Refer to Straight Ahead Inspection .
  29. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .