Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.NOTE: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in a LOCK position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR system repairs.
- Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
- Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement - On Vehicle .
- Remove the linear shift cable by pushing in on the retaining tab and pulling downward on the cable.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper pinch bolt from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the steering column.
- Remove the upper mounting bolts (1) from the steering column (3).
- Loosen the lower mounting bolts (4) from the steering column (3).NOTE: 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 Steering Wheel Replacement .
- Remove the steering column (3) from the vehicle.