Installation Procedure

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.

NOTE: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

IMPORTANT:

When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation. DO NOT tighten the fasteners until the procedure tells you to do so.
In order to ensure that the column absorbs energy correctly, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten the components to the specified torque.

Install the steering column to the vehicle.
Install the lower support bracket studs mounting nuts (1).

Fig 1: Installing Lower Support Bracket Studs Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
Support the column. Install the upper support bracket studs mounting nuts (1).
Tighten

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

Fig 2: Installing Upper Support Bracket Studs Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Connect the steering column wiring harness connector (1) to the main body wiring harness.

Fig 3: Connecting Steering Column Wiring Harness Connector
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the shift lever cable to the steering column.
Install the shift cable to the linear shift assembly.

Fig 4: Installing Shift Cable
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the retaining clip to the shift cable.

Fig 5: Installing Shift Cable Retaining Clip
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the I/P trim panel. Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL (I/P) TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - LOWER in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
Raise the vehicle.
Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear stub shaft.

Fig 6: Installing Intermediate Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
Install the left front tire. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove J 42640 from the steering column.

Fig 7: Removing J 42640
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Enable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Inspect the steering for proper operation.