GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: Remove the steering column only if:

   • The steering column requires replacement.
   • The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
   • Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

  1. Adjust the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
  2. Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  4. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  6. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
  7. Remove the turn signal and headlamp switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement .
  8. Remove the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .
  9. Remove the coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  10. Remove the driver knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  11. Remove the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .
  12. Remove the key hole lamp. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Bulb Replacement .
  13. Remove the immobilizer module, if equipped. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  14. Remove the key cylinder. Refer to Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  15. Remove the SSPS control module, if equipped. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Replacement.

  16. Object Number: 1768734  Size: SH
  17. Use paint in order place match marks on the intermediate steering shaft and on the lower portion of the steering column shaft.
  18. Remove the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt.
  19. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft.
  20. Remove the steering angle sensor, if equipped. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement .

  21. Object Number: 1768916  Size: SH
  22. Remove the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt.

  23. Object Number: 1768917  Size: SH
  24. Remove the steering column assembly upper bracket bolts.
  25. 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.

  26. Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify the front tires are in the straight-ahead position.
  2. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column.
  3. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
  4. Install the steering angle sensor, if equipped. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 1768734  Size: SH

    Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting bolts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

  6. Align the match marks and carefully guide the steering shaft into the universal joint of the intermediate shaft.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the pinch bolt into the universal joint on the intermediate shaft.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1768916  Size: SH
  10. Install the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column assembly lower bracket bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1768917  Size: SH
  12. Install the upper bracket bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column assembly upper bracket bolts to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  14. Install the SSPS control module, if equipped. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Replacement.
  15. Install the key cylinder. Refer to Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  16. Install the immobilizer module, if equipped. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement .
  17. Install the key hole lamp. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Bulb Replacement .
  18. Install the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .
  19. Install the driver knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  20. Install the coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .
  21. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .
  22. Install the turn signal and headlamp switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement .
  23. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
  24. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  25. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  26. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .