Tools Required

J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer-Tilt Steering Wheel

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.



2. Remove the steering shaft seal (1) from the sensor retainer (2).
3. Remove the sensor retainer (2) from the end of the steering jacket (3).



4. Remove the following items from the steering shaft assembly:

•	The lower spring retainer (1)

•	The steering wheel speed sensor assembly (2)

•	The lower bearing spring (3)

•	The lower bearing seat (4)

5. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (5) from the steering column jacket assembly.



6. Remove the steering column tilt head. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .
7. Remove the steering shaft assembly (2) from the steering column support assembly (1).



8. Remove and discard 4 TORX® head screws (3) from steering column support assembly (2).
9. Remove the steering column support assembly (2) from the steering column jacket assembly (1).




Important: Failure to assemble the items properly will cause steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

Mark the following items to ensure the proper assembly:
10. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly from the lower steering shaft assembly by performing the following steps:

10.1.

Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees toward each other.

10.2.

Disengage the race and upper shaft assembly.




11. Remove the centering sphere (1) from the race and upper shaft assembly (2) by rotating the centering sphere 90 degrees.
12. Lift the centering sphere out of the race and upper shaft assembly.



13. Remove the joint preload spring (2) from the centering sphere (1).

1. Inspect the centering sphere (1) and joint preload spring (2). Discard and replace if parts are worn or broken.



2. Lubricate the centering sphere (1,3) with, GM P/N 12345718(Canadian P/N 10953516).
3. Lubricate the lower half of the sphere (3) in the upper shaft assembly engagement areas.
4. Lubricate the upper half of the sphere (1) in the shaft engagement areas opposite to the lubricated area of the lower half of the sphere.
5. Place the base of J 41688 in a vise.
6. Place the following items in the base of J 41688 :

6.1.	The lower half of the new centering sphere (3)

6.2.	The new joint preload spring (2)

6.3.	The upper half of the new centering sphere (1)

6.4.	The top half of J 41688




7. Compress the joint preload spring.
8. Rotate the driver 90 degrees clockwise.



9. Ensure that the feet of the driver slide into the grooves in the base of J 41688 .
10. Rotate the driver until the arms lock into place.



11. Firmly attach the upper shaft assembly (2) to the centering sphere (1).
12. Rotate the upper shaft assembly (2) 90 degrees downward. This locks the centering sphere (1) in place.



13. Remove the following items from the vise:

13.1.

The centering sphere installer

13.2.

The race and the upper shaft assembly

14. Disassemble J 41688 by separating the base.
15. Remove the shaft with the centering sphere attached from J 41688 .



16. Apply GM P/N 12345718(Canadian P/N 10953516) to the exposed shaft engagement area.
17. Install the lower shaft assembly.
18. Install the race and the upper shaft assembly to the lower shaft assembly.
19. Tilt the race and the upper shaft assembly and the lower shaft assembly 90 degrees toward each other.




Important: Replace the steering column support assembly (2) if the steering column support assembly (2) has been staked 3 times.

20. Install the steering column support assembly (2) to the jacket assembly (1).

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.

21. Secure by using the 4 new TORX® screws (3).

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).




22. Install the steering shaft assembly (2) to the steering column support assembly (1).
23. Install the steering column tilt head. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .



24. Position the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly (5) with the slot on the steering column jacket assembly.
25. Push the adapter and bearing assembly (5) onto the steering column jacket assembly (6).
26. Compress the lower bearing spring (3) to a length of 23-24 mm (0.91-0.94 in) between the lower bearing seat (4), the steering wheel speed sensor assembly (2) and the lower spring retainer (1).



27. Install the steering shaft seal (1) to the sensor retainer (2).
28. Install the sensor retainer (2) to the steering shaft assembly (3).
29. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.