Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Special Tools

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

Warning: Refer to SIR Warning SIR Warning.


Caution: 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.

Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft(s)
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Service and Repair.




2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using anti-rotation pin J 42640 .
3. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement Knee Bolster Replacement.
4. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.
5. If necessary, disconnect the range selector lever cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (2.9L and 3.7L) AdjustmentsRange Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (5.3L) Adjustments.
6. Disconnect the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.




7. Remove the steering column bolts.
8. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
9. Transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
2. Perform the following procedure before installing the bolts.

1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
2. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry.
3. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

3. Install the steering column bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).

4. Connect the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
5. If necessary, connect the range selector lever cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (2.9L and 3.7L) AdjustmentsRange Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (5.3L) Adjustments.
6. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.
7. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement Knee Bolster Replacement.
8. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 .
9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Service and Repair.