Steering Wheel and Steering Column: Removal & Installation Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Removal Procedure

Note. 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.

Scheme 5

1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.
3. For vehicles equipped with a 6.6L diesel, remove the left charge air cooler hose. Refer to «Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement (Left)»(ref-238224-S26744735612006072400000) or «Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement (Right)»(ref-238224-S09843896152006072400000) in Engine Mechanical - 6.6L (LLY).
4. Mark the relationship of the intermediate shaft components in order to assure proper installation. Mark the relationship of the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft. Mark the relationship of the lower shaft coupler to the steering gear input shaft.
5. Remove the bolt from the upper to lower shaft connection.
6. Remove the bolt from the lower shaft coupler.
7. Remove the intermediate shaft assembly. Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to get the lower shaft coupler clear of the steering gear input shaft.
8. Slide the intermediate shaft down out of the upper shaft.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the upper end of the intermediate shaft into the upper shaft.
2. Install the lower end of the intermediate shaft coupler. If you are reinstalling the same shaft, align the marks made during the removal procedure. Install the lower end of the intermediate shaft coupler onto the steering gear worm shaft.
3. Install the bolt to the lower shaft coupler.
4. Install the bolt to the upper end of the shaft. Tighten: Tighten the upper bolt to 47 N.m (35 lb ft). Tighten the coupler pinch bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
5. For vehicles equipped with a 6.6L diesel, install the left charge air cooler hose. Refer to «Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement (Left)»(ref-238224-S26744735612006072400000) or «Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement (Right)»(ref-238224-S09843896152006072400000) in Engine Mechanical - 6.6L (LLY).
6. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column lower access hole.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Vehicles involved in accidents which result in the following conditions may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column: Frame damage Major body or sheet metal damage Where the steering column has been impacted Where supplemental inflatable restraint systems deployed
2. Inspect the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand. If not, the bracket should be replaced if bolted to the jacket assembly. If the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly replace the jacket assembly.
3. Inspect for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.
4. Remove the SIR coil from the steering column and allow the coil to hang freely before the shaft is rotated. Refer to «Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement (Coil)»(ref-238196-S36179370052006072400000) or «Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement (Coil and Harness Assembly)»(ref-238196-S35104799792006072400000) in SIR.
5. Visually inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic, replace the steering shaft.
6. Inspect the steering shaft runout for any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.0625 in).

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
2. Remove the steering wheel from the column. Refer to «Steering Wheel Replacement»(ref-238184-S20200707002006072400000) .
3. Remove the tilt lever from the lower trim cover. Refer to «Tilt Lever Replacement»(ref-238184-S14275967632006072400000) .
4. If necessary, remove the 2 pan head tapping screws (1, 2) from the lower trim cover (3). Remove the lower trim cover (3). If screws are not present in the lower trim cover, proceed to the next step.
5. Gently unsnap the lower trim cover from the upper trim cover.
6. If necessary, remove 1 TORX® head screw (1) from the upper trim cover (2). If a screw is not present, remove the upper trim cover (2).

1. Install the upper trim cover (2) onto the steering column. Install 1 TORX® head screw (1) into the upper trim cover (2). Tighten: Tighten the screw to 1.5 N.m (13 lb in).
2. Install the lower trim cover (3) onto the steering column. Install 2 pan head tapping screws (1, 2) into the lower trim cover (3). Tighten Tighten 1 pan head tapping screw (1) to 3.5 N.m (31 lb in). Tighten 1 pan head tapping screw (2) to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
3. Install the upper and lower trim covers onto the steering column.
4. Slide the shift lever seal down the shift lever.
5. Gently snap the upper and lower trim covers together.
6. Install the tilt lever into the lower trim cover. Refer to «Tilt Lever Replacement»(ref-238184-S14275967632006072400000) .
7. Install the steering wheel onto the steering column. Refer to «Steering Wheel Replacement»(ref-238184-S20200707002006072400000) .
8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Single Battery)»(ref-238198-S11373134242006072400000) or «Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Auxiliary Battery)»(ref-238198-S42388157252006072400000) in Engine Electrical.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
3. Lower the hush and knee bolster. Refer to «Knee Bolster Replacement»(ref-238186-S18945448682006072400000) in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.
4. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
5. With the key installed, turn the key to the RUN position.
6. Install an allen wrench into the hole on top of the lock cylinder housing. Push down on the allen wrench to release the tab on the lock cylinder inside the lock cylinder housing.
7. Slide the lock cylinder out of the lock cylinder housing.

1. Install the key into the lock cylinder.
2. Use a screwdriver to rotate the lock cylinder housing gear clockwise to the start position - allowing it to spring return into the RUN position.
3. Align the lock cylinder and install into the lock cylinder housing.
4. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
5. Install the hush and knee bolster. Refer to «Knee Bolster Replacement»(ref-238186-S18945448682006072400000) in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.
6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
7. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Single Battery)»(ref-238198-S11373134242006072400000) or «Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Auxiliary Battery)»(ref-238198-S42388157252006072400000) in Engine Electrical.

Scheme 10

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
2. Remove the ignition switch. Refer to «Ignition Switch Replacement»(ref-238184-S03190971192006072400000) .
3. Remove the turn signal cancel cam. Refer to «Steering Column Tilt Head Housing Replacement (Tilt)»(ref-238184-S41192525562006072400000) .
4. Remove the park lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
5. Remove 3 TORX® screws.
6. Remove the lock cylinder housing from the steering column.

1. Install 3 TORX® screws into the lock cylinder housing. Tighten: Tighten the TORX® screws to 7 N.m (62 lb in).
2. Install the turn signal cancel cam. Refer to «Steering Column Tilt Head Housing Replacement (Tilt)»(ref-238184-S41192525562006072400000) .
3. Install the park lock cable into the lock cylinder housing.
4. Install the ignition switch. Refer to «Ignition Switch Replacement»(ref-238184-S03190971192006072400000) .
5. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
2. Remove the upper and lower trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
3. Remove the wire harness assembly (1) from the wire harness strap (2).
4. Disconnect the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly connector from the SIR system coil connector.
5. Slide the 2 connectors (2) of the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly out of the bulkhead connector (1).
6. Remove the 2 pan head tapping screws (1) and (3) from the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2).
7. Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2) from the steering column tilt head assembly.

1. Install the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly (2) onto the steering column tilt head assembly.
2. Screw the 2 pan head tapping screws (1) and (3) into the turn signal and multifunction assembly (2). Tighten Tighten the top pan head tapping screw (1) to 3 N.m (27 lb in) for Domestic Column Shift. Tighten the top pan head tapping screw (1) to 7 N.m (62 lb in) for Domestic Floor Shift and Export Column Shift. Tighten the side pan head tapping screw (3) to 7 N.m (62 lb in) for all.
3. Slide the 2 connectors (2) of the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly into the bulkhead connector (1).
4. Connect the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly connector to the SIR coil connector.
5. Install the wire harness assembly (1) into the wire harness strap (2).
6. Install the upper and lower trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

1. Remove the trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
2. Roll back the seal on the shift lever (1) until the TORX® head shift lever screw (2) is exposed.
3. Remove the TORX® head shift lever screw (2).
4. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to «Knee Bolster Replacement»(ref-238186-S18945448682006072400000) in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
5. Remove the nuts (1) from the knee bolster deflector bracket.
6. Remove the wiring harness retaining pin (4) from the instrument panel.
7. Remove the wire straps and open the harness insulation to gain access to the electrical wiring.
8. Remove the wiring from the electrical connector.
9. Remove the shift lever.

Scheme 15

1. Install the shift lever (1).
2. Connect the shifter electrical connector.
3. Install the wire straps to the harness.
4. Install the harness retaining pin (4) to the instrument panel.
5. Install the knee bolster deflector bracket and nuts (1). Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
6. Install the knee bolster. Refer to «Knee Bolster Replacement»(ref-238186-S18945448682006072400000) in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
7. Install the TORX® head shift lever screw. Tighten: Tighten the screw to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
8. Roll the seal over the TORX® head shift lever screw.
9. Install the 2 TORX® head screws to the lower column trim cover.
10. Install the trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
2. Remove the upper and lower trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
3. Remove the shift lever assembly. Refer to «Shift Lever Replacement (With Tow/Haul Switch)»(ref-238184-S30096014142006072400000) .
4. With a screwdriver carefully pry the automatic transmission shift lock control away from the steering column jacket.
5. The lock cylinder should be in the OFF-LOCK position.
6. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot on the ignition lock cylinder case and push against the locking tab to remove the park lock cable assembly (1).
7. Remove the 3 flat-head 6-lobed socket tap screws from the linear shift assembly.
8. Remove the linear shift assembly.

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

1. Install the linear shift assembly and secure by using 3 flat-head 6-lobed socket tap screws. The linear shift assembly must be out of the PARK position to install the lower socket tap screw. Tighten: Tighten the screws to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
2. Connect the park lock cable assembly (1) into the ignition lock cylinder case. The lock cylinder should be in the OFF-LOCK position. The locking tab at the end of the park lock cable assembly (1) must be installed into the ignition lock cylinder case.
3. Install the automatic transmission shift lock control.
4. Install the gear shift lever and put the column in the NEUTRAL position.
5. Adjust the automatic transmission shift lock control. Pull the tab (1) out on the block side (2) of the automatic transmission shift lock control. Press on the adjuster block (2) to compress the internal adjuster spring to disengage the adjuster teeth. Slide the adjuster block as far away from the solenoid as possible. Lock in place by pushing the tab (1) back in.
6. Inspect the automatic transmission shift lock control. The automatic transmission shift lock control must lock the gear shift lever when it is put into the PARK position. When the column is installed in the vehicle you will not be able to shift the gear shift lever out of the PARK position without pressing on the brake pedal. The solenoid will be energized. Readjust if needed.
7. Install the shift lever assembly. Refer to «Shift Lever Replacement (With Tow/Haul Switch)»(ref-238184-S30096014142006072400000) .
8. Install the upper and lower trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

Scheme 20

1. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000) .
2. Remove the tilt lever.

1. Align the lever in the steering column.
2. Push the lever into the steering column.
3. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-238184-S21223629182006072400000)

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to «Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement»(ref-238196-S37906233612006072400000) in SIR.
3. Remove the horn plunger from the steering column by pressing inward to the stop and rotating the horn plunger 90 degrees.
4. Disconnect the captured screws (1,4) to the horn contact plate (2) from the steering wheel (3).
5. Remove the horn switch (2) from the steering wheel (3).

1. Install the horn switch (2) to the steering wheel (3).
2. Connect the captured screws (1,4) from the horn contact plate (2) to the steering wheel (3). Tighten: Tighten the screws to 5.5 N.m (50 lb in).
3. Install the horn plunger to the steering column.
4. Install the inflator module. Refer to «Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement»(ref-238196-S37906233612006072400000) in SIR.
5. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to «Steering Wheel Replacement»(ref-238184-S20200707002006072400000) .
2. Remove the shroud retaining screws from the back of the steering wheel.
3. Remove the shroud from the steering wheel.
4. Position a blunt ended tool into the wire harness cavity (1) and apply moderate pressure in order to partially remove the steering wheel control switch from the steering wheel.
5. Disconnect the steering wheel control switch electrical connector.
6. Remove the steering wheel control switch from the steering wheel.

1. Position the steering wheel control switch to the steering wheel.
2. Connect the electrical connector to the steering wheel control switch.
3. Install the steering wheel control switch into the steering wheel, ensuring the retaining tabs are fully seated.
4. Install the shroud to the steering wheel.
5. Install the shroud retaining screws to the steering wheel. Tighten: Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
6. Install the steering wheel. Refer to «Steering Wheel Replacement»(ref-238184-S20200707002006072400000) .

1. Install the tilt head onto the steering shaft.
2. Install the tilt head housing and steering shaft as an assembly. Refer to «Lower Bearing and Steering Column Jacket Replacement (Column Shift Lean Shaft)»(ref-238184-S15549955992006072400000) or «Lower Bearing and Steering Column Jacket Replacement (Floor Shift Lean Shaft)»(ref-238184-S36957332762006072400000) .
3. Slide the turn signal switch housing onto the steering column shaft assembly.
4. Install the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly only. Refer to «Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement»(ref-238184-S32217177022006072400000) .
5. Install the turn signal cancel cam assembly. Refer to «Turn Signal Cancel Cam and Upper Bearing Thrust Washer»(ref-238184-S41578984922006072400000) .
6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
2. Install the lower column nuts. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
3. Install the nuts to upper support brackets. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
4. Install the nuts (1) which retain the knee bolster deflector to the instrument panel. Tighten: Tighten the retaining nuts to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
5. Install the wiring harness retaining (4) pin to the instrument panel.
6. Connect the steering column electrical connectors to the vehicle wiring harness. Tighten: Tighten the connector to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
7. Connect the transmission shift cable (1) to the steering column.
8. Install the body control module bracket. Refer to «Body Control Module Replacement»(ref-238179-S13881127862006072400000) in Computer/Integrating Systems.
9. Install the knee bolster. Refer to «Knee Bolster Replacement»(ref-238186-S18945448682006072400000) in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
10. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.
11. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.

Scheme 26

1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position.
3. Remove the intermediate shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Lower»(ref-238184-S04023553392006072400000) .
4. Remove the nuts from the studs.
5. Remove the seal from the vehicle.

1. Install the seal to the vehicle. NOTE: Refer to «Fastener Notice»(ref-238188-S13145861262006072400000) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install the nuts to the studs. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 3 N.m (27 lb in).
3. Install the intermediate shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Lower»(ref-238184-S04023553392006072400000) .

1. Attach the steering column support assembly (1) to the steering column jacket assembly with 4 new TORX® head screws (2). Tighten: Tighten the screws to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).
2. Install the upper bearing assembly.
3. Install the steering column shaft assembly (2) into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).
4. Install the steering column shaft assembly with the steering column tilt head assembly (1) into the steering column support assembly (2).
5. Move the tilt knob and push the steering column tilt head assembly up towards the steering column in order to lock the steering wheel lock shoes in place.
6. Lubricate the pivot pins (1) with GM P/N 12346293 (Canadian P/N 992723).
7. Firmly seat each pivot pin (1) into the steering column tilt head assembly.
8. Stake the steering column support assembly in 3 locations around each pivot pin (1).
9. If necessary, install the balls (2) into the cage (3).
10. Install the race (1) into the ball and cage assembly.
11. Install the race, cage and balls into the adapter and bearing assembly (2).
12. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the steering column jacket assembly by performing the following steps: Align the tab on the adapter and bearing assembly (1) with the slot in the steering column jacket assembly. Push the adapter and bearing assembly (1) onto the steering column shaft assembly until the tab snaps into the slot.
13. Install the tilt spring only. Refer to «Tilt Spring Replacement»(ref-238184-S36712550012006072400000) .
14. Install the ignition lock cylinder case. Refer to «Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement»(ref-238184-S41947327112006072400000) .
15. Install the turn signal multifunction switch. Refer to «Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement»(ref-238184-S32217177022006072400000) .
16. Install the steering column into the vehicle. Refer to «Steering Column Replacement»(ref-238184-S42947104592006072400000) .
17. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3»(ref-238196-S42401173072006072400000) in SIR.