Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, and Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle (Tilt Column)

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.

Tools Required:

J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

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 .

Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM .
Remove the electronic lock module assembly. Refer to Electronic Column Lock Module - Disassemble - Off Vehicle (Tilt Column) or Electronic Column Lock Module - Disassemble - Off Vehicle (Standard Column) .
Remove the tilt spring assembly only. Refer to Tilt Spring - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .
Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly.
Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly from the steering column tilt head assembly.

Fig 1: Removing Turn Signal & Multifunction Switch Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column. Using excessive force may cause damage to the automatic transmission shift lock control and/or the steering column.
Remove the automatic transmission shift lock control.
Put the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position
Use a screwdriver to gently pry the automatic transmission shift lock control from the steering column jacket assembly.

Fig 2: Removing Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the 3 flat head 6-lobed socket tapping screws from the linear shift assembly.
Remove the linear shift assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.

Fig 3: Removing Linear Shift Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the foam insulator (1) from the lower end of the steering shaft assembly.

Fig 4: Removing Foam Insulator From Lower End Of Steering Shaft Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (1).

Fig 5: Removing Adapter & Bearing Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the 2 pivot pins from the steering column support assembly with J 21854-01 .

Fig 6: Removing Pivot Pins From Steering Column Support Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the tilt lever. Tilt the column to the upright position.
Remove the upper tilt head assembly with the steering shaft assembly from the steering column support assembly.

Fig 7: Installing Tilt Lever
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering shaft assembly (1) from the upper tilt head assembly.
Important: Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly to ensure proper reassembly. Failure to reassemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.
Mark the race and upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly.
Check the steering column for accident damage. Refer to Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle .

Fig 8: Removing Steering Shaft Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly. Disengage the race and upper shaft assembly from the lower shaft assembly.

Fig 9: Disengaging Race & Upper Shaft Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If necessary, remove the centering sphere and joint preload spring in the following way:
1. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
2. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere.
3. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere from J 41688 .
4. If necessary, discard the centering sphere and the joint preload spring.
Fig 10: Removing Centering Sphere & Joint Preload Spring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the 4 TORX® head screws (2) from the steering column support assembly (1).
Discard the 4 TORX® head screws (2).
Remove the steering column support assembly (1) from the steering column jacket assembly (3).

Fig 11: Removing Steering Column Support Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.