GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

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.


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH

    Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the lock position and remove the key.
  3. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640 .

  4. Object Number: 793256  Size: SH
  5. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

  6. Object Number: 389603  Size: SH

    Important: Note the relationship of the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear and the intermediate shaft to the steering column in order to ensure proper installation.

  7. Remove the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear input shaft pinch bolt.
  8. Disconnect the lower intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
  9. Remove the lower intermediate shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 389603  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower intermediate shaft to the vehicle.
  2. Connect the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
  3. 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.

  4. Install the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear input shaft pinch bolt.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the lower intermediate shaft the power steering gear input shaft pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 793256  Size: SH
  6. Connect the lower intermediate shaft to the upper intermediate shaft.
  7. Install the lower intermediate shaft to the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the lower intermediate shaft to the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  9. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.