Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure





Caution: Refer to SIR Caution.

Notice: 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.

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. Disable the SIR system.
2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640.




3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the knee bolster.
5. Disconnect the steering column electrical connector.
6. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to steering column retaining bolt.
7. Remove the steering column mounting bolts.
8. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

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).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

3. Install the steering column mounting bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).

4. Install the upper intermediate shaft to steering column retaining bolt.

Tighten the bolt to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

5. Connect the steering column electrical connector.




6. Install the knee bolster.
7. Install the steering wheel.
8. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the lower trim cover access hole.
9. Enable the SIR system.