Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

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 Steering Wheel Replacement (With RPO CTF) or Steering Wheel Replacement (Without RPO CTF) .

NOTE: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

The steering column
The intermediate shaft(s)
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

CAUTION: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
For Vehicles equipped with OnStar® (UE1) with Back Up Battery:

The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow limited OnStar® functionality in the event of a main vehicle battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar®module). Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar® fuse with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar® module in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once activated the BUB must be replaced.

Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Disable the SIR system. Refer to DISABLING SYSTEM in SIR.

Fig 1: Identifying J 42640

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.
Remove the driver's side knee bolster.
Remove the driver's side knee bolster deflector.
Remove the transmission control linkage from the column shift lever.

Fig 2: Identifying 48-way Connector Wiring Harness

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the 48-way connector wiring harness from the base of the steering column.
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (With RPO CTF) or Steering Wheel Replacement (Without RPO CTF) .
Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

Fig 3: Locating Lower/Upper Lower Steering Column Mounting Nuts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the 2 lower steering column mounting nuts.
Remove the 2 upper steering column mounting nuts.
Support the steering column while loosening the nuts.
Disconnect the auto trans shift lock control connector.
Remove the steering column assembly.