Steering column — removal and installation
Warning: These models are equipped with airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Removal
1. Park the vehicle with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Disable the airbag system (see Chassis electrical system).
Warning: With the wheels pointing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel using a steering column anti-rotation pin, the steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking the steering column will prevent damage to the clock spring and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured before removing the intermediate shaft, the column, or the steering gear. DO NOT rotate the steering wheel or front wheels while the steering column is removed.
2. Secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using one of the following methods:
a) Steering column lock pin — inserted from under the steering column through an access hole in the lower steering column cover. (GM tool # CH-42640)
b) Lock the steering column using the steering column lock (when the ignition key is removed).
c) Strap the steering wheel in place.
3. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).
4. Disconnect the electrical connector to the multi-function switch.
5. Remove the knee bolster and the steel reinforcement behind it (see Body).
6. Remove the floor duct from behind the knee bolster.
7. Detach the shift cable from the column and the shift lock actuator (see Automatic transmission).
8. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the steering column and detach the related wiring fasteners (see illustration).
17.8 Electrical connectors and fastener locations
9. Mark the relationship of the upper inter- mediate shaft to the steering shaft, then remove the fasteners securing the steering shaft to the upper intermediate shaft (see illustration).
17.9 Match mark the intermediate shaft to the steering shaft
A Match mark the shaft
B Steering shaft bolt
10. Remove the steering column mounting fasteners (see illustration).
17.10 Steering column fastener locations (same on the opposite side)
11. Carefully remove the steering column from the vehicle.
Installation
Note: If a new column is being installed, check to see if a shipping lock pin is present. If so, remove it after the column is in place.
12. Guide the steering column into position, then install the mounting nuts and bolts, but don’t tighten them yet.
13. Align the upper intermediate shaft to the steering shaft and install the fasteners for the steering shaft, then tighten the bolt to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
14. Tighten the column mounting nuts and bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
15. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Adjust the shift cable, if necessary (see Automatic transmission).