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Home >> Buick >> 2003 >> Century Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Wheel And Steering Column >> Repair Instructions >> Steering Column Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

NOTE: 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.
NOTE: 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:

Replace the coil, if necessary.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in Air Bag Restraint Systems.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE in Battery.
  3. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE) in Air Bag Restraint Systems.
  4. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT  .
  5. Remove the left instrument panel insulator. Refer to CLOSEOUT/INSULATOR PANEL REPLACEMENT - LEFT in instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  6. Remove the trim panel below the steering column. Refer to STEERING COLUMN FILLER REPLACEMENT in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  7. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to KNEE BOLSTER REPLACEMENT in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
    NOTE: 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.
  8. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT  .
  9. Remove the following components:
    1. 9.1. The shift indicator cable
    2. 9.2. The casing from the shift cam
    3. 9.3. The automatic control indicator adjuster or the park lock cable
  10. Disconnect the A/T range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
  11. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
  12. Remove the mounting bolts from the lower steering column.
    Fig 1: Removing Steering Column Mounting Bolts & Electrical Connectors
    G01569311Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper steering column.
  14. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
  15. Loosen the bolt from the steering column electrical connector.
  16. Separate the two halves of the steering column electrical connector.
    IMPORTANT: You may have to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.
  17. Remove the steering column.
  18. Install the steering column onto J 41352. 
    Fig 2: Installing Steering Column Onto J 41352
    G01569312Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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