Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect 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.

IMPORTANT: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:

Scorching
Melting
Other damage

Replace the coil, if necessary.

IMPORTANT: The wheels on the vehicle must be straight ahead before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Do NOT rotate the steering column after disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Doing so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in Engine Electrical.

Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
Remove the SIR coil assembly. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
Remove the multifunction turn signal. Refer to Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement .
Remove the multifunction turn signal switch housing. Refer to Multifunction Turn Signal Switch Housing Replacement .
Remove the steering column knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
Remove the steering column shaft pinch bolt from the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

Fig 1: Preventing Jacket Assembly Pull-Apart

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Install tie straps (1) between the rake bracket assembly (2) and the neck of the assist mechanism housing (3) to prevent jacket assembly pull-apart. The steering column rake lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position during steering column removal and installation to ensure that the rake lever bracket remains rigid. Install a tie strap around the lever and the jacket assembly to keep the lever in the LOCK position. Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket.

Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors open the steering column wire harness retainer clip.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT disconnect the adjustable brake pedal cable.

Remove the adjustable pedal bracket assembly and reposition leaving the brake pedal cable and motor attached, if vehicle is equipped with adjustable pedals. Refer to Adjustable Accelerator Pedal Bracket Assembly Replacement in Adjustable Pedals.

Fig 2: Removing Upper Steering Column Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the upper steering column mounting bolts (1).

Fig 3: Removing Lower Steering Column Mounting Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the lower steering column mounting bolt.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Column From Vehicle

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
If replacing the column, remove the motor/module assembly from the steering column. Refer to Motor Replacement - Power Steering Assist (EPS) in Power Steering System.