GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

    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.

    Notice: 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.

  1. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.

  2. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  3. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using anti-rotation pin J 42640 .

  4. Object Number: 1207224  Size: SH
  5. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt at the lower intermediate steering shaft.

  6. Object Number: 1207223  Size: SH
  7. From inside the vehicle, remove the steering column nuts at the upper intermediate steering shaft pass-through.
  8. Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
  9. Important: Note the direction of intermediate steering shaft bolt for installation. It must be installed in the same direction it was removed.

  10. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt at the steering column.
  11. Disconnect the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.

Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
  2. Perform the following procedure before installing the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt:
  3. 2.1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    2.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry.
    2.3. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or blue, medium LOCTITE™ 242.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: The upper intermediate steering shaft bolt must be installed in the same direction it was removed or the it will contact the steering column housing.

  4. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt at the steering column.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).

  6. Install the steering column in the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 1207223  Size: SH
  8. From inside the vehicle, install the steering column nuts at the upper intermediate steering shaft pass-through.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  10. Perform the following procedure before installing the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt:
  11. 6.1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    6.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry.
    6.3. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or blue, medium LOCTITE™ 242.

    Object Number: 1207224  Size: SH
  12. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt at the lower intermediate steering shaft.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  14. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 .