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Home >> Buick >> 2004 >> 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:
    • Scorching
    • Melting
    • Other damage

    Replace the coil, if necessary.
    NOTE: 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.
    Fig 1: Identifying J 42640
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  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 Zone 3 in SIR.
  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in Engine Electrical.
  4. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  5. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  6. Remove the left instrument panel insulator. Refer to Closeout/Insulator Panel Replacement - Left in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  7. Remove the trim panel below the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Filler Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  8. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
  9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
  10. Remove the following components:
    1. The shift indicator cable
    2. The casing from the shift cam
    3. The automatic control indicator adjuster or the park lock cable
  11. Disconnect the A/T range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
  12. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
  13. Remove the mounting bolts from the lower steering column.
  14. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper steering column.
    Fig 2: View Of Upper Steering Column And Mounting Bolts
    GM305570Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
  16. Loosen the bolt from the steering column electrical connector.
  17. Separate the two halves of the steering column electrical connector.
    18. IMPORTANT: You may have to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.
  18. Remove the steering column.
    19. Fig 3: Removing & Installing Steering Column Onto J 41352
    GM415301Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Install the steering column onto J 41352  .
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