GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 ION 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight ahead position and the steering wheel is centered in order to mark the intermediate steering shaft position properly.

  1. Place the steering wheel in the straight forward position.
  2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
  3. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) lower compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Compartment Replacement.
  4. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement.

    5. Object Number: 854953 Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the head lamp/turn signal harness connector from the SIR coil module assembly.
  6. Disconnect the wiper/washer harness connector from the SIR coil module assembly.
  7. Disconnect the SIR coil harness connector from the SIR coil module assembly.
  8. Remove the SIR coil module assembly. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement.

    9. Object Number: 854934 Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the ignition lock cylinder harness connector.
  10. Disconnect the ignition switch harness connector.

    11. Object Number: 854943 Size: SH
  11. Place scribe marks on the intermediate steering shaft and on the steering column shaft.

    12. Object Number: 854769 Size: SH
  12. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt at the steering column and discard the bolt.
  13. Slide the intermediate shaft off of the steering column.

    14. Object Number: 854947 Size: SH
  14. Disconnect the electric power steering (EPS) control module power feed harness connector.
  15. Disconnect the EPS control module small harness connector.

    16. Object Number: 854962 Size: SH
  16. Remove the steering column pivot bolt.
  17. Remove the steering column mounting bolts.
  18. Remove the column from the vehicle and place the column on a bench.
  19. Remove the ignition lock cylinder case from the steering column. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 2184305 Size: SH
  1. If you are installing a NEW steering column, align the manufacturer match marks (1) on the lower shaft.
  2. If you are installing a NEW steering column, copy the scribe marks from the old column to the new column.
  3. Install the ignition lock cylinder case to the steering column. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement.

    4. Object Number: 854962 Size: SH
  4. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
  5. Hand start the steering column mid-pivot bolt.
  6. Hand start the steering column mounting bolts.

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

  7. Tighten the column bolts using the following order:

    8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the mid-pivot bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the right side column mounting bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    3. Tighten the left side column mounting bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

    Object Number: 854947 Size: SH
  8. Connect the EPS control module power feed harness connector.
  9. Connect the EPS control module small harness connector.

    10. Object Number: 854943 Size: SH

    Important: For proper realignment of the steering column to intermediate shaft, use the previously scribed marks.

  10. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering column while aligning the previously scribed marks.

    11. Object Number: 854769 Size: SH
  11. Install a NEW intermediate steering shaft bolt.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 854934 Size: SH
  12. Connect the ignition lock cylinder harness connector.
  13. Connect the ignition switch harness connector.
  14. Install the SIR coil module assembly. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement.

    15. Object Number: 854953 Size: SH
  15. Connect the SIR coil harness connector to the SIR coil module assembly.
  16. Connect the wiper/washer harness connector to the SIR coil module assembly.
  17. Connect the head lamp/turn signal harness connector to the SIR coil module assembly.
  18. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement.
  19. Install the I/P lower compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Compartment Replacement.
  20. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
  21. Program the power steering control module. Refer to Control Module References for programming and set-up information.