GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Action

The lower or upper steering column jacket bushing assembly is worn or broken.

Replace the bushing. Refer to:

The column is not correctly aligned.

Align the column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .

The horn contact ring is not lubricated.

Lubricate the horn contact ring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Assemble - Off Vehicle .

The bearing or bearing surface lacks grease.

Lubricate the bearings and the surfaces. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Assemble - Off Vehicle .

The retaining ring is not seated.

Seat the retaining ring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Steering Column Tilt Head Housing - Assemble - Off Vehicle .

The intermediate shaft plastic joint is sheared.

Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Assemble - Off Vehicle .

The column components are loose.

Tighten the loose components. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

The spherical joints are not lubricated.

Lubricate the spherical joints. Refer to Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Assemble - Off Vehicle .

The steering coupling is loose.

Tighten the steering coupling. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

The joints from the column to the gear are loose.

Tighten all the connectors. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

The intermediate shaft pinch bolt is loose.

Tighten the pinch bolt to the specified torque. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .