GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

    2. Object Number: 442014 Size: SH
  2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  3. Remove the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement - On Vehicle .
  4. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3) from the multifunction switch (1).
  5. Remove the electrical harness from the steering column.
  6. Remove the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  7. Remove the driver's insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

    8. Object Number: 296676 Size: SH
  8. Remove the upper pinch bolt (3) from the intermediate shaft (4).

    9. Object Number: 442160 Size: SH
  9. Remove the steering column lower mounting bolts (3).
  10. Remove the steering column upper mounting bolts (1).

    11. Notice: 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.

  11. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 442160 Size: SH

    Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

       • Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
       • Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

  1. Install the steering column (2) in the vehicle.

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the steering column lower mounting nuts (3).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  3. Install the steering column upper mounting bolts (1).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).


    Object Number: 296676 Size: SH
  4. Install the upper pinch bolt (3) to the intermediate shaft (4).

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  5. Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.

    6. Object Number: 442014 Size: SH
  6. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the multifunction switch (1).
  7. Install the electrical harness to the steering column.
  8. Install the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement - On Vehicle .
  9. Install the driver's insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  10. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
  11. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System .