Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.

Fig 1: Identifying J 42640
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the left tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Reposition the intermediate steering shaft seal in order to gain access to the lower pinch bolt.
Remove the lower pinch bolt from the steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear Lower Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lower the vehicle.

Fig 3: View Of Intermediate Steering Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Reposition the intermediate steering shaft seal in order to gain access to the upper pinch bolt.
Remove the upper pinch bolt from the steering column.
Remove the intermediate steering shaft and the intermediate steering shaft seal from the vehicle.