Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.

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: 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.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.

Fig 1: Identifying J 42640

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640 .
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
Remove the knee bolster bracket. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement - Left in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Electrical Connector

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the steering column electrical connector.

Fig 3: View Of Steering Column & Upper Intermediate Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the intermediate shaft bolt from the steering column.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column.

Fig 4: View Of Steering Column Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
Remove the steering column from the vehicle.