Steering Column Replacement: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2002 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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 the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.
NOTE:
Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.