Removal Procedure

• The steering column
• The steering shaft coupling
• The intermediate shaft
• The lower steering shaft

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.
3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the steering gear pinion shaft (4).
   Fig 1: Locating Steering Column Components

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Loosen the upper coupling bolt (7).
5. Remove the lower coupling bolt (6).
6. Remove the steering column hole cover (5) from the bulkhead.
   Fig 2: Locating Steering Gear Components

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Install the Engine Support Fixture. Refer to ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE in Engine Mechanical - 1.8L (LV6).
8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
9. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
10. Remove the left engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE - LEFT in Body Front End.
11. Remove the right engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE - RIGHT in Body Front End.
12. Remove the 2 outer tie rod ends (8,16). Refer to TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - OUTER  .
13. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to collect the fluid from the power steering system.
    NOTE: Refer to POWER STEERING HOSE DISCONNECTED NOTICE .
14. Remove the pressure and return pipes (3,4) from the steering gear.
15. Remove the 2 bolts (1,2) and the pipe brackets from the steering gear.
16. Remove the following components together as a unit. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER REPLACEMENT (FWD)  or  FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER REPLACEMENT (AWD)  in Front Suspension.
    • The steering gear
    • The front suspension crossmember
    • The trans support
    • The 2 control arms
    • The front stabilizer shaft
17. Remove the bolt and the rear engine mount insulator from the crossmember.
18. Remove the 3 bolts and the rear engine mount bracket from the crossmember.
19. Remove the 2 bolts (12,13) and the steering gear from the crossmember.