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Steering Column Replacement




Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

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. Remove the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement).
3. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.




4. If equipped with an electronic power steering column, remove the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (2) and the electronic power steering motor control module and bracket assembly (1).





Note: Place alignment marks on the steering shaft coupling and the steering column shaft prior to removal in order to mark the correct alignment of the pieces.

5. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1) at the steering column and discard it.
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.
6. Separate the steering shaft coupling from the steering column.




7. Remove the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1).
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.




8. Remove the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1).
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.
9. Remove the steering column from the vehicle and transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure

Note: If replacing the steering column, failure to transfer the scribed marks may result in an off-center steering wheel.

1. If a new steering column is being installed then transfer the pre-scribed alignment marks on to the new part.
2. Position the steering column to the vehicle.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Hand tighten all steering column support bracket bolts before finalizing any torques.

3. Install the steering column upper support bracket bolts (1) and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.




4. Install the steering column lower support bracket bolt (1) and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.
5. Align the scribed marks on the steering shaft coupling to the scribed marks on the steering column shaft and connect them.




6. Install the new steering shaft coupling bolt (1) at the steering column and tighten to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).
An electronic power steering column is shown, a hydraulic power and two mode hybrid steering column is serviced the same way.
7. For vehicles with hydraulic power steering, install the new steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering column and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).
8. For vehicles with two mode hybrid steering, install the new steering shaft coupling bolt at the steering column and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).




9. If equipped with an electronic power steering column, position the electronic power steering motor control module and bracket assembly (1).
10. Install the 3 electronic power steering motor control module bracket bolts (2) and tighten to 11.5 Nm (102 lb in).
11. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.

Note:
* When installing a NEW service replacement electronic power steering column (non-two mode hybrid), the Saturn Service Stall (SSS) must be utilized to properly program the electronic power steering controller contained with the electronic power steering column.
* Ensure the steering wheel alignment is in the 12 o'clock position.

12. Refer to Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for programming and setup information if equipped with electronic power steering.
13. Install the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement).
14. Install the driver knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Reinforcement Replacement (Service and Repair).