GM 19152603
Steering Column

To remove the Steering Column, first, leave the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system disabled. Make sure the front wheels are straight and the Steering Column in the lock condition before removing any components to ensure no misalignment and sir coil assembly damage. Lock the Steering Column through the access hole of the lower trim cover using the Steering Column anti-rotation pin (J 42640) remove the transmission Shift Cable, Steering Column electrical connector, and steering wheel position sensor electrical connector if so equipped. Pull the bottom of the column wiring harness retaining pin and pull out the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt along with the Steering Column brackets retaining nuts. Disassemble the Steering Column from the vehicle, making sure to avoid any impact that may ruin the assembly. For the installation, install the Steering Column and tighten the lower fasteners before the upper fasteners with the intention of going for adequate functioning on a crash. Fit the Steering Column brackets retaining nuts and tighten to 30 n.m (22 lb ft). Connect the upper intermediate shaft and its retaining nut and bolt hence tightening to and including a torque of 62 n.m (46 lb in). Install the wiring harness retaining pin back and attach steering wheel position sensor electrical connector if it is there and then connect the Steering Column electrical connector and tighten to 6 n.m (53 lb in). Finally, connect the transmission Shift Cable, install the knee bolster, add the sir system and the Steering Column anti-rotation pin (J 42640).

The Steering Column of vehicles experiences damage or misalignment when such vehicles suffer accidents leading to frame damage or encounters sheet metal damage or major body harm or impacts with the Steering Column while having their supplemental inflatable restraints system deployed. Check the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules by visually inspecting their proper seat in bracket slots then check bracket stability through manual hand tests. A bracket repair is required when capsules are not properly seated against the bracket and the connection is bolted to the jacket assembly. However, replacement of the entire jacket assembly is necessary when capsules are not secure but the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly. A measurement of the lower edge to defined point distance on the jacket assembly will help identify possible collapse where the assembly needs replacement if specifications are not met. Removing the inflatable restraint coil assembly from the Steering Column is essential before shaft rotation because letting it hang freely protects its coil structure from damage. The inspection must detect sheared injected plastic on the Steering Shaft since such damage requires a new Steering Shaft installation. A dial indicator should be used to check Steering Shaft runout at the lower end of the shaft through steering wheel rotation until the runout measurement reaches 1.60 mm (0.06 inch).

Check the steering shaft runout using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft while rotating the steering wheel.

If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replace only the bracket; if welded, replace only the jacket assembly.

Accidents that result in frame damage, major body damage, sheet metal damage, impact to the steering column, or deployment of the supplemental inflatable restraints system.