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Steering Column Replacement



Steering Column Replacement


Tools Required
* J 41352 Modular Column Holding Fixture
* J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin



Removal Procedure


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 in this section.


Notice: Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.


Important: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:


* Scorching

* Melting

* Other damage


Replace the coil, if necessary.



Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.





1. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair) .
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair)Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LS4 - 5.3L) (Service and Repair) .
4. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Service and Repair) .
5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Steering Wheel Replacement) .
6. Remove the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side (Service and Repair)
7. Remove the steering column opening filler. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement (Service and Repair)
8. Remove the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement (Service and Repair)
9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement) .




10. Remove the following components:

1. The mounting bolts from the lower steering column.
2. The mounting bolts from the upper steering column.
3. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
Important: You may have to spread the coupling clamp with a flat-bladed tool in order to withdraw the intermediate steering shaft.



4. The steering column.





11. Install the steering column onto J 41352 .



Installation Procedure





1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .




2. Position the steering column.
3. Insert the lower end of the steering column shaft into the intermediate steering shaft coupling.
4. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.

Caution: When installing the steering column to the intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.


Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

* Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
* Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.



Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

5. Loosely install the bolts to the upper and the lower steering column.

1. Tighten the right side lower bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the left side lower bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Tighten the left side upper bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
4. Tighten the right side upper bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).


6. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement) .
7. Pull the intermediate steering shaft seal up over the lower column in order to lock the seal into place.
8. Install the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement (Service and Repair)
9. Install the steering column opening filler. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement (Service and Repair)
10. Install the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side (Service and Repair)
11. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Steering Wheel Replacement) .
12. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Service and Repair) .
13. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair)Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LS4 - 5.3L) (Service and Repair) .
14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair) .
15. Inspect all of the column components for the correct operation.


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