Removal Procedure

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

NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640 .

Fig 1: Locking Steering Column Using Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the underhood electrical center mounting bolts and move the underhood electrical center out of the way.

Fig 2: Identifying Underhood Electrical Center Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the intermediate shaft boot to cowl retaining bolts.
Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the cowl.

Fig 3: Intermediate Shaft Boot
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the intermediate shaft (2) to steering column shaft (1) pinch bolt (3).

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Shaft Pinch Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column.
Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the steering gear.
Remove the intermediate shaft boot from the vehicle.
Remove the intermediate shaft to steering gear pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear and remove the intermediate shaft.

Fig 5: Identifying Intermediate Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.