Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR Caution .

Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement (Cadillac) or Knee Bolster Replacement (Except Cadillac) .

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 .

Fig 2: View Of Transmission Shift Cable

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the transmission shift cable (1) from the steering column.
Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.

Fig 3: View Of Upper Intermediate Shaft Pinch Bolt & Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt and nut from the steering column. Separate the upper intermediate shaft from the steering column.

Fig 4: View Of Steering Column Bracket Nuts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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 nuts from the steering column brackets.

IMPORTANT: Note the location of the 2 washers at the lower steering column bracket. These washers must be reinstalled in the same location.

Remove the steering column and 2 washers from the vehicle.
If replacing the steering column, transfer all necessary components.