GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Column Replacement Column Shift

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

    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.

    Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

    Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

    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.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

  3. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  4. Insert the J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
  5. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module from the SIR connector (4). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  6. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  7. Remove the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  8. For the column shift, remove the shift lever cable.
  9. For the console shift, complete the following steps:
  10. 8.1. Unlock the ignition.
    8.2. Remove the park lock cable and lock the ignition.
  11. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector from the main body wiring harness.
  12. Remove the steering column shaft from the intermediate shaft.
  13. Position the seal as needed
  14. Loosen or remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

  15. Object Number: 800069  Size: SH

    Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

  16. Support the steering column.
  17. Remove the upper steering column support retaining nuts.

  18. Object Number: 627270  Size: SH
  19. Remove lower steering column support retaining nuts.
  20. Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

  21. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 627270  Size: SH
  1. Support the column.
  2. Install 4 nuts on the upper support bracket studs.

    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.

  3. Position the intermediate steering shaft through the seal and onto the column shaft.
  4. Tighten

        • Tighten the pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).
        • Tighten the upper and the lower support nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
  5. Move the intermediate steering shaft seal into position.
  6. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector to the main body wiring harness.
  7. For the column shift, install the shift lever cable.
  8. For the console shift, complete the following steps:
  9. 6.1. Unlock the ignition.
    6.2. Install the park lock cable.
    6.3. Lock the ignition.
  10. Install the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  11. Install the steering wheel, if previously removed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  12. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  14. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
  15. Connect the negative battery cable.
  16. Inspect the steering for proper operation.

Steering Column Replacement Floor Shift

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

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.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  3. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
  4. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module from the SIR connector (4). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  5. If you disassemble the steering column, remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  6. Remove the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  7. Unlock the ignition.
  8. Remove the park lock cable and lock the ignition.
  9. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector from the main body wiring harness.
  10. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  11. Disconnect the Intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
  12. Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

  13. Support the column.

  14. Object Number: 800069  Size: SH
  15. Position a 13-mm crowfoot wrench onto one of the nuts which secures the steering column to the I/P.
  16. While holding the stud in position with a #7 inverted TORX® socket, remove the nut.
  17. Repeat the above steps for each nut.
  18. Important: 

       • Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.
       • When replacing the steering column, transfer the intermediate steering shaft to the new column.

    Tighten
    Tighten the upper and the lower support nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  19. Remove the steering column with the intermediate shaft, from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the steering column, with the intermediate shaft attached, in the vehicle. The steering shaft will be positioned through the seal.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 627270  Size: SH

    Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

  3. Support the column. Install 4 nuts on the upper support bracket studs.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the upper and the lower support nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  5. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector to the main body wiring harness.
  6. For the console shift, complete the following steps:
  7. Unlock the ignition.
  8. Install the park lock cable.
  9. Lock the ignition.

  10. Object Number: 105357  Size: SH
  11. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
  12. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  14. Install the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement.
  15. Install the steering wheel, if previously removed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  16. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  18. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
  19. Inspect the steering for proper operation.