Steering Column Replacement

Fig 1: Steering Column

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout	Component Name
WARNING: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning . WARNING: Refer to SIR Warning . CAUTION: 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 steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft(s) 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. Preliminary Procedures Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling . Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement . Remove the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement . Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement . Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement . Remove the steering wheel airbag coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Airbag Coil Replacement . Remove the instrument panel knee bolster. Refer to Instrument Panel Knee Bolster Replacement . Remove the driver side instrument panel lower airbag. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side . Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
1	Steering Column Bolt CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 25 N.m (18 lb ft)
2	Steering Column Nut (Qty: 2) Tighten 25 N.m (18 lb ft)
3	Steering Column CAUTION: 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. Procedure Disconnect any electrical connectors. If replacing the steering column, transfer components as necessary. Set up the power steering control module. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup . Center the steering angle sensor. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering .