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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 731 (Steering Wheel & Steering Column) >> Repair Instructions >> Steering Column Replacement >> Removal Procedure

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: 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: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
  2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640. 
  3. Remove the underhood electrical center mounting bolts and position the underhood electrical center out of the way.
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft boot to cowl retaining bolts.
    Fig 1: Identifying Intermediate Shaft Boot
    G02501446Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the intermediate shaft (2) to steering column (1) pinch bolt (3).
    6. Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Pinch Bolt
    G02501447Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering column shaft (1).
  7. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement  .
  8. Remove the driver's side knee bolster deflector.
  9. Remove the range selector cable from the steering column shift lever.
  10. Disconnect the 48-way connector wiring harness from the base of the steering column.
    Fig 3: Identifying 48-Way Connector Wiring Harness
    G02501448Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Support the steering column while loosening the steering column mounting nuts.

  11. Remove the lower steering column mounting nuts.
  12. Remove the upper steering column mounting nuts.
  13. Remove the steering column.
    Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Assembly
    G02501449Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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