GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassembly Procedure

Tool Required
J 39246 Tilt Spring Compressor

  1. Remove the lock housing cover assembly. Refer to Lock Housing Assembly - Off Vehicle .

  2. Object Number: 343839  Size: SH
  3. Seat the counterbore of J 39246 over the steering shaft assembly (1).
  4. Thread and seat the standard hexagon nut (2) onto the steering shaft assembly (1).
  5. Thread the hexagon nut (2) until it contacts the block of J 39246 .

  6. Object Number: 343842  Size: SH
  7. Insert the square end (2) of J 39246 into the spring retainer (1) and seat.

  8. Object Number: 343845  Size: SH
  9. Rotate the tool bolt clockwise with the wrench until it contacts the surface of the tool block.
  10. Make a ¼  turn counter clockwise to the hexagon section on the end of the tool bolt.
  11. Unscrew the tool bolt until the wheel tilt spring and the spring retainer (1) are free.

  12. Object Number: 343856  Size: SH
  13. Remove the spring retainer (2) from the steering column housing assembly.
  14. Remove the wheel tilt spring (1) from the steering column housing assembly.
  15. Remove the spring guide (3) from the steering column housing assembly.

Assembly Procedure

Tool Required
J 39246 Tilt Spring Compressor


    Object Number: 343856  Size: SH
  1. Install the spring guide (3) to the steering column housing assembly.
  2. Lubricate the wheel tilt spring with lithium grease.
  3. Install the wheel tilt spring (1) to the steering column housing assembly.
  4. Install the spring retainer (2) to the steering column housing assembly.

  5. Object Number: 343839  Size: SH
  6. Seat the counterbore of J 39246 over the steering shaft assembly (1).
  7. Thread and seat the standard hexagon nut (2) onto the steering shaft assembly (1).
  8. Thread the hexagon nut (2) until it contacts the block of J 39246 .

  9. Object Number: 343842  Size: SH
  10. Insert the square end (2) of J 39246 into the spring retainer (1) and seat.

  11. Object Number: 343845  Size: SH
  12. Rotate the tool bolt clockwise with a wrench until it contacts the surface of the tool block.
  13. Make a ¼ turn counter clockwise to the hexagon section on the end of the tool bolt.
  14. Unscrew the tool bolt until the wheel tilt spring and the spring retainer (1) are free.
  15. Remove J 39246 .
  16. Install the lock housing cover assembly. Refer to Lock Housing Assembly - Off Vehicle .