Steering Column
REMOVAL PROCEDURE- Tools Required
- J42640 Anti-Rotation pin.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Caution: Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.
3. Use Steering Column Lock Pin If you are disassembling the column.
Notice: Once the steering column has been removed from the vehicle, it is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the steering column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the steering column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. Use only the specified steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered on as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
4. Remove the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement. Refer to the following procedures:
- Knee Bolster Replacement (Buick)
- Knee Bolster Replacement (Oldsmobile)
5. For vehicles with a column shift, remove the shift lever cable (8).
6. For vehicles with a console shift, complete the following steps:
6.1. Unlock the ignition
6.2. Remove the park lock cable (9)
7. Lock the ignition.
8. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector (5) from the main body wiring harness.
9. Remove the steering column shaft from the intermediate shaft (7).
Notice: 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 SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
Position the seal as needed.
10. Loosen or remove the pinch bolt at the upper intermediate shaft (7).
11. Loosen the two nuts (3) at the lower steering column support (6).
Important: Do not remove the nuts.
12. Remove the support column.
Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support (2), if present. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.
13. Remove the two nuts (3) at the upper steering column support (2).
14. Remove the steering column from the vehicle. If there is a possibility that the steering column may be partially collapsed, refer to Accident Damage in Steering Column Unit Repair.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Notice: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.
Important:
- When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation.
Do not tighten the fasteners until the procedure instructs you to do so.
- In order to ensure the column's energy-absorption action, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts.
Ensure that the screws, bolts, and nuts are tightened to the specified torque.
1. Loosely install the nuts (3) on the lower support bracket studs.
2. Position the steering column into the vehicle.
Slide the lower support (6) onto the nuts (3) that were installed in step 1.
Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
3. Install the support column.
4. Install the two nuts (3) on the upper support bracket studs.
5. Position the intermediate steering shaft (7) through the seal and onto the column shaft.
- Tighten the pinch bolt to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the nuts (3) to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
6. Move the intermediate steering shaft seal into position.
7. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector (5) to the main body wiring harness.
Tighten the bolt to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
8. For vehicles with a column shift, install the shift lever cable.
9. For vehicles with a console shift, complete the following steps:
9.1. Unlock the ignition
9.2. Install the park lock cable (9).
9.3. Lock the ignition
10. Install the knee bolster and bracket or reinforcement. Refer to the following procedures:
- Knee Bolster Replacement (Buick)
- Knee Bolster Replacement (Oldsmobile)
11. Install the steering wheel, if previously removed. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Buick) or to Steering Wheel Replacement (Oldsmobile).
12. Install the inflator module, if previously removed. Refer to Infl Rst Steering Wheel Module Replacement in Air Bags and Seat Belts.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming.
14. Remove J-42640 anti-rotation pin.
15. Connect the negative battery cable.
16. Inspect steering for proper operation.