Steering Wheel & Steering Column: Removal & Installation Pontiac Aztek I

Removal Procedure

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components

1. The steering column
2. The steering shaft coupling
3. The intermediate shaft
4. The lower steering shaft

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

Scheme 57

Scheme 58

1. Pull the intermediate steering shaft seal down off of the steering column in order to access the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt.
2. Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt.
3. Push the intermediate steering shaft down in order to remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. If you are unable to remove the intermediate shaft, perform the following steps: 3.1. Insert the tip of a large flat-bladed tool into the intermediate steering shaft end slot. 3.2. Twist the large flat-bladed tool in order to loosen the intermediate steering shaft.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Remove the left front tire and wheel.
6. Apply silicone (non petroleum based) lubricant to the intermediate shaft lower seal.
7. Push the intermediate shaft lower seal up into the intermediate shaft upper seal in order to access to the intermediate shaft lower bolt.
8. Remove the intermediate shaft lower bolt.
9. Push the intermediate steering shaft (1) up in order to remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear (2). If you are unable to remove the intermediate shaft, perform the following steps: 9.1. Insert the tip of a large flat-bladed tool into the intermediate steering shaft end slot. 9.2. Twist the large flat-bladed tool in order to loosen the intermediate steering shaft.
10. Remove the intermediate steering shaft.

Installation Procedure

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components

1. The steering column
2. The steering shaft coupling
3. The intermediate shaft
4. The lower steering shaft

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

Scheme 59

Scheme 60

1. Install the intermediate steering shaft (1) through the intermediate steering shaft seal.
2. Install the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering gear (2).
3. Install the intermediate shaft lower bolt. Tighten Tighten the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).
4. Install the intermediate steering shaft seal to the steering gear.
5. Install the left front tire and wheel.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
8. Install the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt. Tighten Tighten the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).
9. Install the intermediate steering shaft seal to the steering column.

Important: If the lock cylinder does not rotate to off/lock position, adjust the linear shift park lock cable.

Scheme 61

Scheme 62

Scheme 63

Scheme 64

Scheme 65

1. Install the linear shift assembly.
2. Install the retaining screws (1). Tighten Tighten the screws to 13 N.m (10 lb ft).
3. Connect the electrical connector (3).
4. Twist the linear shift park lock cable to install the cable (2) into the lock housing (1).
5. Install the shift lever. Refer to «SHIFT LEVER REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S11257376132005072900000) .
6. Install the automatic transaxle selector cable (2) and retainer (3) to the steering column control lever (1).
7. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S01356245862005072900000) .
8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .

Scheme 66

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .
2. Remove the lower trim cover. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S01356245862005072900000) .
3. Remove the tilt lever spring.
4. Remove the retaining bolt from the tilt lever.
5. Remove the tilt lever.

Scheme 67

1. Install the tilt lever.
2. Install the retaining bolt to the tilt lever. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (89 Ib. in).
3. Install the tilt lever spring.
4. Install the lower trim cover. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S01356245862005072900000) .
5. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .

Scheme 68

Scheme 69

1. Disable the SIR System. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .
2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S31948966082005072900000) .
3. Remove the retaining screws (2,3) from the steering wheel rear bezel.
4. Remove the steering wheel rear bezel (1).
5. Disconnect the electrical connector.
6. Insert a small, blunt-ended tool into the access hole in the back of the steering wheel. Push the switch out of the steering wheel.

Scheme 70

Scheme 71

1. Connect the electrical connector.
2. Align the switch to the opening in the steering wheel.
3. Push the switch into the steering wheel.
4. Install the steering wheel rear bezel (1).
5. Install the retaining screws (2,3) to the steering wheel rear bezel. Tighten Tighten the screws to 3 N.m (26.5 Ib. in).
6. Install the steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S31948966082005072900000) .
7. Enable the SIR System. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .

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.

Important: If the inflatable restraint module is deployed, inspect the coil for signs of damage caused by excessive heat. Replace the coil if necessary.

Scheme 72

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .
2. Install J 42640 to the steering column.
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S31948966082005072900000) .
4. Remove the knee bolster trim panel.
5. Push the top of the intermediate shaft seal down in order to access to the upper retaining bolt.
6. Remove the upper retaining bolt and nut.
7. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
8. Column Shift Only. Disconnect the shift cable from the control assembly and the steering column.
9. Remove the upper mounting nuts.
10. Remove the lower mounting bolts.
11. Remove the anchor cable from the bracket.
12. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Scheme 73

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
2. Install the steering column to the intermediate shaft.
3. Install the anchor cable to the bracket stud. CAUTION: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following: Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column. Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.
4. Install the steering column nuts. Finger tighten the nuts.
5. Install the steering column bolts.
6. Tighten the fasteners in the following order: Tighten 6.1. Tighten the bolts to 24 N.m (18 lb ft). 6.2. Tighten the nuts to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
7. Install the upper intermediate shaft bolt. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).
8. Install the intermediate shaft seal to the steering column.
9. Column Shift Only. Install the shift cable to the control assembly and the steering column.
10. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
11. Install the knee bolster trim panel.
12. Install the steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S31948966082005072900000) .
13. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160348-S06939367912004021000000) .
15. Program the theft deterrent system. Refer to «PROGRAMMING THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM COMPONENTS»(ref-180887-S07386712772005073000000) .

Scheme 74

Scheme 75

1. Remove the knee bolster.
2. Remove the steering column upper nut.
3. Remove the center console.
4. Remove the anchor cable nut from the center console bracket.
5. Remove the anchor cable.

Scheme 76

Scheme 77

1. Properly route the steering column anchor cable.
2. Install the anchor cable to the center console bracket stud.
3. Install the anchor cable nut to the center console bracket stud. Tighten Tighten the nut to 10 N.m (14 lb ft).
4. Install the steering column anchor cable end to the steering column stud.
5. Install the steering column nut. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S05918947122005072900000) .
6. Install the center console.
7. Install the knee bolster.

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 78

1. Remove the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S05918947122005072900000) .
2. Disconnect all the electrical connectors.
3. Remove all the wire harness straps (2).
4. Remove the wire harness from the steering column.

Scheme 79

1. Install the wire harness to the steering column.
2. Replace all the tie straps (2).
3. Connect all the electrical connectors.
4. Install the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT»(ref-180836-S05918947122005072900000) .