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Removal Procedure

CAUTION:
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  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 in SIR.
  2. Use J 42640  to lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover.
    Fig 1: Locking Steering Column Through Access Hole In Lower Steering Column Trim Cover Using J 42640
    G01646118Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the mounting bolts from the underhood electrical center, and position the electrical center out of the way.
    Fig 2: Removing Mounting Bolts From Underhood Electrical Center
    G01646119Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Remove the retaining bolts which secure the intermediate shaft boot to the cowl.
    Fig 3: Removing Retaining Bolts Securing Intermediate Shaft Boot To Cowl
    G01646120Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the pinch bolt (3) which secures the intermediate shaft (2) to the steering column (1).
  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 lap deflector from the driver side knee bolster. Refer to AIR OUTLET REPLACEMENT - LAP in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
  9. Remove the range selector cable from the steering column shift lever. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECTOR CABLE REPLACEMENT in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Intermediate Shaft From Steering Column Shaft
    G01646121Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Disconnect the 48-way connector wiring harness from the base of the steering column.
    Fig 5: Disconnecting 48-Way Connector Wiring Harness From Base Of Steering Column
    G01646122Courtesy 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.
  14. Install the steering column onto J 41352. 
    Fig 6: Removing Steering Column Mounting Nuts
    G01646123Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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