GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2006 🢒 Vibe - FWD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

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

  1. LOCK the steering column. Verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.

    2. Object Number: 820027 Size: SH
  2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  3. Remove the steering wheel (3). Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  4. Remove the trim covers (6,7) from the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
  5. Remove the turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch (4). Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  6. Remove the windshield wiper and washer switch (8). Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
  7. Remove the SIR coil (5). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.

    8. Object Number: 820160 Size: SH
  8. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps:
    9. 8.1. Insert the key into the cylinder.
    8.2. Turn the key to the ACC position.
    8.3. Push in the release button (3).
    8.4. Disconnect the park lock cable (2).
    8.5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
    8.6. Lock the steering column in the original position.
  9. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.

    10. Object Number: 820173 Size: SH
  10. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the shaft (4).
  11. Loosen the upper bolt (7) on the coupling.
  12. Remove the lower bolt (6) from the coupling.
  13. Move the coupling onto the steering column shaft (1).
  14. Disconnect the connectors on the steering column.
  15. Separate the wire harness clamps from the steering column.

    16. 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.

  16. Remove the 3 bolts and the steering column from the vehicle.

    17. Object Number: 820048 Size: SH
  17. If you are replacing the column, complete the following steps:
    18. 17.1. Use paint in order to place match marks on the coupling and on the steering column shaft.
    17.2. Remove the upper bolt and the coupling from the column shaft.
    17.3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering column housing and on the steering column shaft.
    17.4. Use a screw extractor or a center punch in order to remove the bolts (3,4) and the ignition lock cylinder case.

Installation Procedure
  1. Verify the front tires have not moved since the removal of the steering column.
  2. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column.

    3. Object Number: 820048 Size: SH
  3. If you removed the ignition lock cylinder case, install the following components to the steering column:
    4. 3.1. The ignition lock cylinder case (6)
    3.2. The ignition and key alarm switch (1)
    3.3. The 2 screws (8,9) and the ignition switch (7)
    3.4. The ignition lock cylinder case clamp (5)
    3.5. 2 NEW tapered head bolts

    Tighten the bolts until the bolt heads break off.

  4. If you removed the ignition switch cylinder (2), complete the following steps:
    5. 4.1. Insert the key into the cylinder.
    4.2. Turn the key to the ACC position.
    4.3. Install the cylinder into the case.
    4.4. Verify the stop pin engages the case.
    4.5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
  5. Attempt to turn the steering column shaft. Verify the steering column locks.
  6. Insert the key into the cylinder.
  7. Attempt to turn the steering column shaft and turn the key to the ACC position. Verify the steering column unlocks.
  8. Remove the key from the cylinder.
  9. Align the match marks and lock the steering column in the original position.

    10. Object Number: 820173 Size: SH
  10. If you removed the steering shaft coupling (2), align the match marks on the coupling and on the steering column shaft. Install the coupling to the steering column shaft.

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

    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.

  11. Install the steering column and the 3 bolts to the vehicle.

    12. Tighten

    1. Tighten the lower bolt to 21 N·m (15.5 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the 2 upper bolts to 21 N·m (15.5 lb ft).
  12. Align the match marks on the coupling and on the shaft (4).
  13. Lower the coupling onto the shaft.
  14. Install the 2 coupling bolts.

    15. Tighten

    1. Tighten the lower bolt to 35 N·m (25.8 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the upper bolt to 35 N·m (25.8 lb ft).
  15. Place the silencer pad in the correct position.

    16. Object Number: 820160 Size: SH
  16. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps:
    17. 16.1. Insert the key into the cylinder.
    16.2. Turn the key to the ACC position.
    16.3. Insert the park lock cable (2). Verify the release button (3) engages.
    16.4. Verify the key will not rotate to the LOCK position unless the shifter is in the PARK position.
    16.5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
    16.6. Lock the steering column in the original position.

    Object Number: 820027 Size: SH
  17. Install the SIR coil (5). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  18. If necessary, center the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering .
  19. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch (8). Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
  20. Install the turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch (4). Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  21. Install the steering wheel (3). Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  22. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  23. Connect the connectors on the steering column.
  24. Install the wire harness clamps to the steering column.
  25. Install the trim covers (6,7) to the column. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .