GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Column Replacement All C/K Except C 3500HD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

  1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  3. Install the J 42640 in the lower steering column shroud access hole.
  4. 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.

  5. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  6. Remove the screws and the steering column trim panels. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  7. Disconnect the transmission control cable from the column.
  8. Disconnect the harness at the connectors.

  9. Object Number: 245828  Size: SH
  10. Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower shaft connection.

  11. Object Number: 245841  Size: SH
  12. Remove the nuts from the upper and the lower support brackets.
  13. Lower the steering column.

  14. Object Number: 245846  Size: SH

    Notice: When the column is removed from the vehicle, actions such as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft or shift lever, leaning on the column assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear or loosen the plastic fasteners that maintain column rigidity.

  15. Remove the steering column assembly.
  16. Rotate the column so that the shift lever clears the dash panel (2) opening.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 245846  Size: SH
  1. Lower the end of the steering column through the dash panel (2) opening.
  2. Connect the harness to the connectors on the steering column.

  3. Object Number: 245841  Size: SH
  4. Raise the steering column into place.
  5. Rotate the column up over the two upper studs.
  6. Loosely assembly the two nuts.

  7. Install the lower column nuts.
  8. 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.

  9. Install the upper column nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the lower and upper column nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 245828  Size: SH
  11. Install the bolt and the nut to the upper end of the shaft.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  13. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column shroud access hole.
  14. Connect the transmission control cable.
  15. Install the steering column trim panel and the screws. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  16. Enable the SIR systems. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.

Steering Column Replacement C 3500HD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

  1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  3. Install the J 42640 in the lower steering column shroud access hole.
  4. 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.

  5. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  6. Remove the screws and the steering column trim panels. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  7. Disconnect the transmission control cable from the column.
  8. Disconnect the harness at the connectors.

  9. Object Number: 245828  Size: SH
  10. Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower shaft connection.

  11. Object Number: 245841  Size: SH
  12. Remove the nuts from the upper and the lower support brackets.
  13. Lower the steering column.

  14. Object Number: 245850  Size: SH

    Notice: When the column is removed from the vehicle, actions such as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft or shift lever, leaning on the column assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear or loosen the plastic fasteners that maintain column rigidity.

  15. Remove the steering column assembly.
  16. Rotate the column so that the shift lever clears the dash panel (2) opening.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 245850  Size: SH
  1. Lower the end of the steering column through the dash panel (2) opening.
  2. Connect the harness to the connectors on the steering column.

  3. Object Number: 245841  Size: SH
  4. Raise the steering column into place.
  5. Rotate the column up over the two upper studs.
  6. Loosely assembly the two nuts.

  7. Install the lower column nuts.
  8. 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.

  9. Install the upper column nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the lower and upper column nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 245828  Size: SH
  11. Install the bolt and the nut to the upper end of the shaft.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  13. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column shroud access hole.
  14. Connect the transmission control cable.
  15. Install the steering column trim panel and the screws. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  16. Enable the SIR systems. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.