GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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.

Steering Column Replacement Column Shift

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

    Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

    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. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  5. Object Number: 105357  Size: SH
  6. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  7. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
  8. Lower the vehicle.

  9. Object Number: 746041  Size: SH
  10. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  11. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector from the main body wiring harness.
  12. Disconnect the shift lever cable from the linear shift assembly.

  13. Object Number: 746042  Size: SH
  14. Remove the shift cable retaining clip.

  15. Object Number: 746037  Size: SH
  16. Press the shift cable tabs (1) together and remove the shift cable (2) from the steering column.
  17. Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

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

  18. Support the column.

  19. Object Number: 800069  Size: SH
  20. Position a 13-mm crowfoot wrench onto one of the nuts which secures the steering column to the I/P.
  21. While holding the stud in position with a #7 inverted TORX® socket, remove the nut.
  22. Repeat the above steps for each nut.
  23. Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

  24. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
  25. Transfer any necessary components.

Installation Procedure

    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.

    Notice: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

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

  1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.

  2. Object Number: 506203  Size: SH

    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.

    Important: 

       • When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation. DO NOT tighten the fasteners until the procedure tells you to do so.
       • In order to ensure that the column absorbs energy correctly, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten the components to the specified torque.

  3. Support and install the steering column mounting nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 746037  Size: SH
  5. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector to the main body wiring harness.
  6. Install the transmission shift cable (2) to the steering column.

  7. Object Number: 746042  Size: SH
  8. Install the transmission shift cable retaining clip.

  9. Object Number: 746041  Size: SH
  10. Install the shift cable to the linear shift assembly.
  11. Install the knee bolster and the bracket. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  12. Raise the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 105357  Size: SH
  14. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
  15. Install the lower pinch bolt to the intermediate shaft.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  17. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.

  20. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  21. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
  22. Inspect the steering for proper operation.