Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Savana Special, 2002 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2002 GMC Savana, and 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

Air bag deployment
Personal injury
Unnecessary SIR system repairs

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:

Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM .

Important: Position the wheels straight ahead, and lock the steering column.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM .
Remove the left knee bolster trim panel. Refer to TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - KNEE BOLSTER .
Remove the left knee bolster. Refer to KNEE BOLSTER REPLACEMENT - LEFT .
CAUTION: 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.
Remove the shift cable (1) from the steering column.

Fig 1: Removing Shift Cable From Steering Column

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the J 42640 in the lower steering column shroud access hole.
Remove the Intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

Fig 2: Installing J 42640 Into Lower Steering Column Shroud Access Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering column electrical connectors.

Fig 3: Removing Steering Column Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nuts retaining the column to the IP.
Remove the column from the vehicle.

Fig 4: Removing Nuts Retaining Column To IP & Column
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.