Service Procedure
The following procedure provides instructions for inspecting the thickness of the intermediate steering shaft located between the base of the steering column and the steering gear.Intermediate Steering Shaft Inspection
Important
In cold climates, it will be necessary to allow the vehicle to warm up in order to reposition the seal (boot) located on the intermediate steering shaft. The labor time allowance includes the warm-up time.
Important
The front wheels must be positioned straight ahead when performing this procedure.
1. Start the engine, place the HVAC controls on floor heat with the blower on high, and allow the vehicle to warm up for 10 minutes. After the warm-up is complete, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Remove the close-out panel located under the driver's side of the instrument panel (I/P) by pulling down along the rear edge to release the retaining clips.
3. Disconnect the courtesy lamp, unclip the yellow electrical connector, and remove the panel.
4. From underneath the I/P, disconnect the boot (2) that connects to the lower end of the steering column (1).
5. Move the boot down as necessary to expose the intermediate shaft (3).
6. While holding the boot (2) down, using a caliper (3) or micrometer, measure the thickness of the intermediate steering shaft (1) as shown.
^ If the thickness of the intermediate shaft is 16.90 mm (0.6655 in) or MORE, the intermediate shaft does NOT need to be replaced. Proceed to the next step.
^ If the thickness of the intermediate shaft is 16.89 mm (0.6654 in) or LESS, the intermediate shaft MUST BE REPLACED. Proceed to the service procedure titled "Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement."
7. Reinstall the boot to the base of the steering column.
8. Connect the courtesy lamp and attach the yellow electrical connector to the close-out panel.
9. Position the close-out panel 1:0 the underside of the I/P and engage the retaining clips.
10. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
This procedure should only be performed if the intermediate steering shaft inspection results indicate that a replacement is required. For additional information, see the appropriate section of the service manual. The labor time for performing this procedure includes the time necessary for checking alignment and setting toe-in.
Important
Before installing a NEW replacement intermediate steering shaft, you must inspect the thickness of the shaft as described in the inspection procedure contained in this bulletin. If a replacement part is found to be 16.89 mm (0.6654 in) or LESS, it must NOT be used and should be returned to GMSPO via MR Code 12 and refer to bulletin number.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to lock the steering column.
Notice
The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the intermediate steering shaft.
3. With the seal (boot) already repositioned, remove the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the base of the steering column.
4. Push the intermediate steering shaft down and away from the base of the steering column. It you are unable to remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column, perform the following steps:
Insert the tip of a large flat-bladed tool into the intermediate steering shaft end slot.
Twist the large flat-bladed tool in order to loosen the intermediate steering shaft.
5. Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable hoist.
6. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
7. Support the rear of the engine frame (cradle) and remove the two rear cradle bolts.
8. Lower the rear of the cradle as necessary to access the intermediate steering shaft where it connects to the steering gear.
Important
It may be necessary to move (steer) the front wheels left or right to allow for access to the bolt in the next step.
9. Release the boot from the steering gear and reposition it to access the bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.
10. Remove the bolt attaching the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
11. Push the intermediate steering gear shaft upwards to separate it from the steering gear. If you are unable to separate it, perform the following steps:
Insert the tip of a large flat-bladed tool into the intermediate steering shaft end slot.
^ Twist the large flat-bladed tool in order to loosen the intermediate steering shaft.
12. Remove the intermediate steering shaft.
13. Install the NEW intermediate steering shaft inside of the boot.
14. Connect it to the steering gear and install the bolt. Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
15. Connect the boot to the steering gear.
16. Install the left front tire and wheel assembly. Tighten to 140 Nm (103 lb ft).
17. Raise the rear of the cradle and install the two bolts. Tighten to 165 Nm (122 lb ft).
18. If the front wheels were steered to the left or right to access the lower bolt, return them to their original position.
19. Lower the vehicle.
Important
It may be necessary to slightly align the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column if the front wheels were steered when previously accessing the lower bolt.
20. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
21. Install the bolt and tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
22. Reinstall the boot to the base of the steering column.
23. Connect the courtesy lamp and attach the yellow electrical connector to the close-out panel.
24. Position the close-out panel to the underside of the I/P and engage the retaining clips.
25. Check the alignment and set toe-in as necessary.
26. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.