Lower Steering Shaft Replacement. Pontiac Sun Runner - 4WD (Canada) 1998

For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

1. Ensure that the front wheels are in the straight-ahead direction.
2. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR). Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

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.

3. Disconnect the negative battery negative cable.
4. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
5. Remove the 1 bolt in order to disconnect the steering shaft (1) from the lower steering shaft (2).
6. Remove the 1 bolt in order to disconnect the steering gear (3) from the lower steering shaft (2).
7. Loosen all the steering column mounting bolts:

• | 2 upper Torx® bolts

• | 4 steering column-to-bulkhead plate bolts.

8. Move the steering column rearward.
9. Remove the lower steering shaft from the vehicle.

### Installation Procedure

1. Install the lower steering shaft (2) to the steering gear (3). Align the flat surfaces on the steering gear shaft and the lower shaft.
2. Install the lower shaft-to-steering gear joint bolt (1).
3. Install the lower shaft (2) to the steering shaft. Secure the lower shaft with the joint bolt.

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.

Tighten
Tighten the 2 lower steering shaft joint bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft.)

4. Move the steering column forward to its correct position.

Secure with the 2 steering column mounting Torx® bolts (2) and the 4 bolts (3,4) to the column-to-bulkhead plate.

Tighten
Tighten the 6 steering column fastening bolts to 14 N·m (124 lb in.)

5. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
6. Connect the battery negative cable.
7. Enable the SIR. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.