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

Removal Procedure

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft 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 10

1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.
3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the shaft (4).
4. Remove the upper bolt (7) from the coupling.
5. Remove the lower bolt (6) from the coupling.
6. Move the coupling (2) onto the steering column shaft (1).
7. Remove the coupling from the steering column shaft.

Scheme 11

1. If you are installing a new steering shaft coupling, copy the match mark (3) from the old coupling to the new coupling.
2. Align the match marks and move the coupling (2) onto the steering column shaft (1).
3. Align the match marks (3,4) and move the coupling onto the shaft (5). NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-175132-S17785009232005041500000) .
4. Install the upper bolt (7) and the lower bolt (6) to the coupling. Tighten 4.1. Tighten the lower bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft). 4.2. Tighten the upper bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft).
5. Place the silencer pad in the correct position.

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft 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 12

Scheme 13

1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Use paint in order to place match marks on the intermediate steering shaft (5) and on the steering gear pinion shaft.
3. Remove the bolt (6) from the intermediate steering shaft.
4. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.
5. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the intermediate steering shaft (4).
6. Loosen the upper bolt (7) on the coupling.
7. Remove the lower bolt (6) from the coupling.
8. Move the coupling (2) onto the steering column shaft (1) in order to separate the coupling from the intermediate steering shaft (5).
9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear pinion shaft.

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. If you are installing a new intermediate steering shaft, copy the match mark (4) from the old shaft to the new shaft.
2. Align the match marks (3,4) and install the intermediate shaft (5) to the coupling (2) and to the steering gear pinion shaft. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-175132-S17785009232005041500000) .
3. Install the lower coupling bolt (6) and the upper coupling bolt (7). Tighten 3.1. Tighten the lower bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft). 3.2. Tighten the upper bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft).
4. Place the silencer pad in the correct position.
5. Install the intermediate steering shaft bolt (6). Tighten Tighten the bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft).

Important: It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel in order to access the screws that retain the steering column lower trim cover. Rotate the steering wheel in order to access the 2 trim cover screws.

1. Remove the 2 lower trim cover screws that are located on the lower trim cover (6) behind the steering wheel.
2. Remove the screw from the bottom of the lower trim cover.
3. Remove the lower trim cover.
4. Remove the upper trim cover.

Scheme 16

Installation Procedure

1. Install the upper trim cover (7) to the steering column.
2. Install the lower trim cover (6) to the steering column.
3. Install the screw to the bottom of the lower trim cover.
4. Install the 2 lower trim cover screws to the lower trim cover.

Scheme 17

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .
2. Remove the trim covers from the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
3. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
4. Remove the 2 screws (8,9) and the ignition switch (7).

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

1. Install the ignition switch (7) and the 2 screws (8,9).
2. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.
3. Install the trim covers to the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
4. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .
2. Remove the trim covers from the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
3. Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder (2).
4. Turn the key to the ACC position.
5. Use a screwdriver in order to push in the stop pin on the underside of the lock cylinder case (6).
6. Remove the cylinder from the case.

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder (2).
2. Verify the key is in the ACC position.
3. Install the cylinder into the ignition lock cylinder case (6).
4. Verify the stop pin engages the case.
5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
6. Install the trim covers to the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
7. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .

Scheme 22

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .
2. Remove the trim covers from the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
3. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps: 3.1. Insert the key into the cylinder. 3.2. Turn the key to the ACC position. 3.3. Push in the release button (3). 3.4. Disconnect the park lock cable (2).
4. Remove the ignition lock cylinder (2). Refer to «IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S33531844972005083100000) .
5. Remove the ignition switch (7). Refer to «IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S15684730682005083100000) .
6. Remove the ignition key alarm switch (1).
7. Use a screw extractor or a center punch in order to remove the 2 bolts (3,4) from the ignition lock cylinder case (6).
8. Remove the case and the case clamp (5) from the steering column.

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Install the ignition lock cylinder case (6) and the case clamp (5) to the steering column.
2. Install 2 NEW tapered head bolts (3,4). Tighten the bolts until the bolt heads break off.
3. Install the ignition key alarm switch (1) to the case.
4. Install the ignition switch. Refer to «IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S15684730682005083100000) .
5. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to «IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S33531844972005083100000) .
6. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps: 6.1. Insert the key into the cylinder. 6.2. Turn the key to the ACC position. 6.3. Insert the park lock cable (2). Verify the release button (3) engages. 6.4. Verify the key will not rotate to the LOCK position unless the shifter is in the PARK position. 6.5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
7. Install the trim covers to the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160343-S38277116612004021000000) .

Steering Wheel Replacement

Tools Required

J 1859-A Steering Wheel Puller

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft 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 26

1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Disconnect the horn connector and remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1). Refer to «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE)»(ref-160343-S01008832452004021000000) .
3. If the vehicle has cruise control, remove the cruise control switch. Refer to CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT .
4. Remove the nut (2) from the steering wheel.
5. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering wheel and on the steering shaft. NOTE: When removing the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Do not hammer on the end of the steering column shaft. Hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain the steering column rigidity.
6. Use the J 1859-A in order to remove the steering wheel.

Scheme 27

1. If you are replacing the steering wheel (3), copy the match marks from the old steering wheel to the new steering wheel.
2. Align the match marks on the steering wheel and on the steering shaft.
3. Install the steering wheel to the steering shaft. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-175132-S17785009232005041500000) .
4. Install the nut (2) Tighten Tighten the nut to 50 N.m (36.9 lb ft).
5. If the vehicle has cruise control, install the cruise control switch. Refer to CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT .
6. Connect the horn connector and install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE)»(ref-160343-S01008832452004021000000) .

Note. The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The steering shaft coupling The intermediate shaft 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 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. LOCK the steering column. Verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1). Refer to «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE)»(ref-160343-S01008832452004021000000) .
3. Remove the steering wheel (3). Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S12067459282005083100000) .
4. Remove the trim covers (6,7) from the steering column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .
5. Remove the turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch (4). Refer to HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
6. Remove the windshield wiper and washer switch (8). Refer to WIPERS/WASHER SWITCH REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
7. Remove the SIR coil (5). Refer to «SIR COIL ASSEMBLY»(ref-160343-S10577300872004021000000) .
8. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps: 8.1. Insert the key into the cylinder. 8.2. Turn the key to the ACC position. 8.3. Push in the release button (3). 8.4. Disconnect the park lock cable (2). 8.5. Remove the key from the cylinder. 8.6. Lock the steering column in the original position.
9. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.
10. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the shaft (4).
11. Loosen the upper bolt (7) on the coupling.
12. Remove the lower bolt (6) from the coupling.
13. Move the coupling onto the steering column shaft (1).
14. Disconnect the connectors on the steering column.
15. Separate the wire harness clamps from the steering column. 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 the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.
16. Remove the 3 bolts and the steering column from the vehicle.
17. If you are replacing the column, complete the following steps: 17.1. Use paint in order to place match marks on the coupling and on the steering column shaft. 17.2. Remove the upper bolt and the coupling from the column shaft. 17.3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering column housing and on the steering column shaft. 17.4. Use a screw extractor or a center punch in order to remove the bolts (3,4) and the ignition lock cylinder case.

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

1. Verify the front tires have not moved since the removal of the steering column.
2. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column.
3. If you removed the ignition lock cylinder case, install the following components to the steering column: 3.1. The ignition lock cylinder case (6) 3.2. The ignition and key alarm switch (1) 3.3. The 2 screws (8,9) and the ignition switch (7) 3.4. The ignition lock cylinder case clamp (5) 3.5. 2 NEW tapered head bolts Tighten the bolts until the bolt heads break off.
4. If you removed the ignition switch cylinder (2), complete the following steps: 4.1. Insert the key into the cylinder. 4.2. Turn the key to the ACC position. 4.3. Install the cylinder into the case. 4.4. Verify the stop pin engages the case. 4.5. Remove the key from the cylinder.
5. Attempt to turn the steering column shaft. Verify the steering column locks.
6. Insert the key into the cylinder.
7. Attempt to turn the steering column shaft and turn the key to the ACC position. Verify the steering column unlocks.
8. Remove the key from the cylinder.
9. Align the match marks and lock the steering column in the original position.
10. If you removed the steering shaft coupling (2), align the match marks on the coupling and on the steering column shaft. Install the coupling to the steering column shaft. 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. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-175132-S17785009232005041500000) .
11. Install the steering column and the 3 bolts to the vehicle. Tighten 11.1. Tighten the lower bolt to 21 N.m (15.5 lb ft). 11.2. Tighten the 2 upper bolts to 21 N.m (15.5 lb ft).
12. Align the match marks on the coupling and on the shaft (4).
13. Lower the coupling onto the shaft.
14. Install the 2 coupling bolts. Tighten 14.1. Tighten the lower bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft). 14.2. Tighten the upper bolt to 35 N.m (25.8 lb ft).
15. Place the silencer pad in the correct position.
16. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, complete the following steps: 16.1. Insert the key into the cylinder. 16.2. Turn the key to the ACC position. 16.3. Insert the park lock cable (2). Verify the release button (3) engages. 16.4. Verify the key will not rotate to the LOCK position unless the shifter is in the PARK position. 16.5. Remove the key from the cylinder. 16.6. Lock the steering column in the original position.
17. Install the SIR coil (5). Refer to «SIR COIL ASSEMBLY»(ref-160343-S10577300872004021000000) .
18. If necessary, center the SIR coil. Refer to «INFLATABLE RESTRAINT STEERING WHEEL MODULE COIL CENTERING»(ref-186589-S29540152312005083100000) .
19. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch (8). Refer to WIPERS/WASHER SWITCH REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
20. Install the turn signal and headlamp dimmer switch (4). Refer to HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
21. Install the steering wheel (3). Refer to «STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S12067459282005083100000) .
22. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module (1). Refer to «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE)»(ref-160343-S01008832452004021000000) .
23. Connect the connectors on the steering column.
24. Install the wire harness clamps to the steering column.
25. Install the trim covers (6,7) to the column. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN TRIM COVERS REPLACEMENT»(ref-186589-S35729666462005083100000) .