Steering Column - Removal and Installation

Fig. 16 Typical shift indicator cable installation:

PONTIAC REAR WHEEL DRIVE MODELS EXC. FIERO & 1000
For removal and installation procedures on Parisienne, 1985---86 Bonneville & 1985---87 Grand Prix models, refer to Chevrolet Rear Wheel Drive Except. Chevette.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery ground cable and remove bolt securing upper intermediate shaft joint to steering shaft.
2. Disconnect shift linkage from shift lever.
3. Remove lower instrument panel trim covers, and if column is to be disassembled, the steering wheel.
4. Remove toe plate cover and toe plate mounting screws and clamp bolt, noting installation position for assembly.
5. On column shift auto. trans., disconnect shift indicator cable from column shift bowl, Fig. 16.
6. Disconnect neutral start and back-up light switch and turn signal connector.
7. Support column and disconnect column bracket assembly.
8. Lower column enough to disconnect electrical connections. If spacers are used, retain for use during installation.
9. Carefully remove column from vehicle and disconnect intermediate shaft from steering shaft.

Fig. 17 Steering column installation. Firebird:

Firebird
1. Position column under instrument panel with shaft engaged in upper intermediate shaft joint, connect column electrical connectors, then raise column and install capsule bracket nuts hand tight, Fig. 17.
2. Install steering shaft clamp bolt and torque to 55 lb ft
3. Install toe plate retaining screws, ensure that column is properly centered and that flexible coupling is not compressed, then torque toe plate screws to 45 lb in and steering capsule retaining nuts to 18 lb ft
4. Reverse remaining procedure to complete installation.