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Removal Procedure

NOTE: 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.
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.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in Restraints article.
  2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to REMOVAL DRIVER-SIDE in Restraints article.
  3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement ,
  4. Remove the SIR coil. Refer to SIR COIL ASSEMBLY in Restraints article.
    5. Fig 1: Identifying Theft Deterrent Immobilizer Connector & Ignition Lock Cylinder
    GM210475Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - On Vehicle .
  6. Disconnect the theft deterrent immobilizer connector.
  7. Remove the immobilizer.
  8. Remove the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement - On Vehicle .
  9. Remove the windshield washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement - On Vehicle .
  10. Remove the turn signal switch. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Replacement - On Vehicle .
  11. Remove the I/P driver knee bolster energy absorber.
  12. Remove the sound insulator.
    13. Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Coupler Bolt
    GM210546Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the coupler bolt from the coupler/steering column shaft connection.
  14. Separate the coupler in order to allow for shaft removal.
    15. Fig 3: Identifying Steering Column Front & Rear Support Bracket Bolts & Nuts
    GM210551Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Remove the forward support strap nut.
    16. Fig 4: Rotating Forward Support Strap Shear Bolt
    GM210600Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. Using a chisel, rotate the forward support strap shear-bolt in order to remove.
    17. Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column Front & Rear Support Bracket Bolts & Nuts
    GM210551Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Remove the rear support bracket bolt.
    18. IMPORTANT: Use caution in the next step in order to prevent damage to the adjacent wiring.
  18. Pull the steering column straight back through the cowl assembly.
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