GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2003 🢒 Alero 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 41352 Module Column Holding Fixture
    • 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.

  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

    2. Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.


    Object Number: 333146 Size: SH
  2. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.

    3. Object Number: 442014 Size: SH
  3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3) from the multifunction switch (1).
  6. Remove the driver's insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

    7. Object Number: 296676 Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper pinch bolt (3) from the intermediate shaft (4).

    8. Object Number: 748880 Size: SH
  8. If equipped, remove the upper thru bolt (1) from the intermediate shaft (2).

    9. Object Number: 442154 Size: SH
  9. Remove the 2 screws (2) and the lower air duct (1) from the instrument panel.

    10. Object Number: 442160 Size: SH
  10. Remove the steering column lower mounting bolts (3).
  11. Remove the steering column upper mounting bolts (1).

    12. 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.

  12. Remove the steering column (2).
  13. Install the steering column onto J 41352 .

Installation Procedure
  1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .

    2. Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

       • Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
       • Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

  2. Install the steering column (2).

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 442160 Size: SH
  3. Install the lower mounting bolts (3) to the steering column.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  4. Install the upper mounting bolts (1) to the steering column.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  5. Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.

    6. Object Number: 442154 Size: SH
  6. Install the lower air duct (1) and the screws (2).

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).


    Object Number: 296676 Size: SH
  7. Install the upper pinch bolt (3) to the intermediate shaft (4).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 748880 Size: SH
  8. If equipped, install the upper thru bolt (1) to the intermediate shaft (2).

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the thru bolt to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).

  9. Install the driver insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

    10. Object Number: 442014 Size: SH
  10. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the multifunction switch (1).
  11. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.