Steering Column - Except C 3500 HD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin





1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Install the J 42640 anti-rotation pin in the lower steering column shroud access hole.

Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SM wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

3. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraint Systems.
4. Remove the screws and the steering column trim panels. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.
5. Disconnect the transmission control cable from the column.
6. Disconnect the harness at the connectors.





7. Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower shaft connection.





8. Remove the nuts from the upper and the lower support brackets.
9. Lower the steering column.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that 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. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.Steering Wheel Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.





10. Remove the steering column assembly. Rotate the column so that the shift lever clears the dash panel (2) opening.

Installation Procedure

Caution: If steering column to cowl panel seal is torn or otherwise damaged, it must be replaced. Confirm that the seal and inner race are properly located. Failure to do so may allow carbon monoxide into the vehicle, which may result in serious personal injury or death.





1. Lower the end of the steering column through the dash panel (2) opening and the steering column seal (1).
2. Connect the harness to the connectors on the steering column.





3. Raise the steering column into place.
4. Rotate the column up over the two upper studs. Loosely assemble the two nuts.
5. Install the lower column nuts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Install the upper column nuts.
- Tighten the lower and upper column nuts to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).





7. Install the bolt and the nut to the upper end of the shaft.
- Tighten the nut to 62 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





8. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column shroud access hole.
9. Connect the transmission control cable.
10. Install the steering column trim panel and the screws. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.
11. Enable the SIR systems. Refer to Enabling the SM System in Restraint Systems.