Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.

Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Fig 1: Identifying J 42640

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower trim cover using J 42640 . See Special Tools and Equipment .
Remove the body control module bracket. Do not disconnect the harness from the body control module. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Fig 2: Transmission Shift Cable To The Steering Column

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the transmission shift cable (1) from the column.

Fig 3: View Of Steering Column Electrical Connectors

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.

Fig 4: View Of Wiring Harness Retaining Pin

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: During removal of the steering column the wire harness retaining clip must be removed and reinstalled after installing the steering column or damage may occur to the wire harness.

Remove the wiring harness retaining pin (4) from the instrument panel.

Fig 5: View Of Upper Shaft To Steering Column Nut Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt (1) from the steering column, and remove the shaft from the steering column.

Fig 6: View Of Knee Bolster Deflector & Nuts

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Remove the nuts (1) from the knee bolster deflector.

Fig 7: View Of Steering Column, Upper & Lower Support Bracket Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the nuts from the upper support brackets.
Remove the nuts from the lower support brackets.

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.

Remove the steering column from the vehicle.