GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 L300/LW300 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 897100 Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove SIR coil assembly. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  3. Remove the HVAC duct.

    4. Object Number: 896925 Size: SH
  4. Remove the knee bolster.

    5. Object Number: 891744 Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the connectors at the wiper/washer switch and the headlamp/turn switch.
  6. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connectors at the left of the steering column.
  7. Disconnect the interlock solenoid electrical connector at the right of the steering column.
  8. Disconnect the ignition switch connector at the right of the column.

    9. Object Number: 891750 Size: SH
  9. Remove the wiper/washer and the headlamp/turn signal switch.

    10. Object Number: 891592 Size: SH
  10. Remove the signal switch housing.

    11. Object Number: 891747 Size: SH
  11. Remove the upper intermediate shaft bolt and disconnect the shaft from the steering column.

    12. Object Number: 891746 Size: SH
  12. Remove the steering column lower support bolt.

    13. Important: Behind the nut is a plastic locator for the steering column. This piece will center the steering column in front of the driver in the event of an accident.

  13. Remove the steering column upper support bolt and nut.
  14. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

    15. Object Number: 891598 Size: SH

    Important: The following steps are provided if you are replacing the steering column.

  15. Position the steering column in a vise at the upper bracket. Using a centering punch, mark the center of the shear bolts on the lock cylinder housing assembly.

    16. Object Number: 891608 Size: SH
  16. Drill a small hole, 1/8 in drill bit, in the shear bolts at the center mark. Remove the shear bolts with a screw extractor, and remove the ignition module and the housing from the steering column.

Installation Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: The following step is used if you are replacing the steering column.

  1. Use new shear bolts to install the lock cylinder housing assembly on the steering column. Torque the shear bolts until the heads break off.
  2. Carefully place the steering column in the vehicle.

    3. Object Number: 891746 Size: SH

    Important: The plastic steering column locator should be installed behind the upper steering column mount nut. This locator centers the steering column to the driver in the event of an accident.

  3. Install the upper and lower steering column mount bolts and the upper steering column mount nut along with the locator.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the steering column-to-I/P support beam fasteners to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 891747 Size: SH

    Important: Use Loctite 242® Threadlocker, or equivalent on the thread of the pinch bolt.

  4. Connect the intermediate shaft, install the pinch bolt.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 891592 Size: SH
  5. Install the signal switch housing to the steering column.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the signal switch housing-to-steering column screws to 1.5 N·m (14 lb in).


    Object Number: 891750 Size: SH
  6. Install the wiper/washer and headlamp/turn signal switch.

    7. Object Number: 891744 Size: SH
  7. Connect the interlock solenoid electrical connector at bottom of the steering column.
  8. Connect the electrical at the wiper/washer switch and the headlamp/turn switch.
  9. Connect the ignition switch connectors at the left side of the column.
  10. Connect the ignition switch connector at the right side of the column.

    11. Object Number: 899266 Size: SH
  11. Install the knee bolster.

    12. Object Number: 897100 Size: SH
  12. Install the HVAC duct.
  13. Install the SIR coil assembly. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
  14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.