GM 26042978 F, Column A

Som of the steering column units can be repaired without detachment of the steering column but great care is needed at times of removal due to the built-in energy management. Don not hammer, drop, lean or jar the assembly it is necessary to use only factory installed fasteners or similar type screw or bolts as the wrong size may alpine compression if impacted. First remove the negative battery terminal bolt then use the correct puller to pull out the steering wheel. In the engine compartment disconnect the flanged end of the steering shaft at the flexible coupling and pull it away from the lower end of the steering column. On the lower end, remove the shift control linkage and indoors remove all electrical connections including main ignition connection, connection of the neutral-start and back-up lamp switches as well as pulling any connected wire from any clips. Take out all the screws which hold the column plate to the floor pan, and release the column from its location on the dashboard which may call for removal of additional trim to expose the nuts. If the shift position indicator is mounted, it should be disconnected, the seat should be pulled back as far as possible to provide enough room and when extending the column through the opening, it would be easier with help. As for assembly, place the column in the position in the vehicle, feed the lower end through the firewall, loosely insert the dashboard attaching nuts to support the tumblers, reconnect all of the electrical connections, and connect the lower end to the steering linkage, tightening the fasteners to the prescribed torque. Replace the shift linkage at the lower end, ensure that the column plate seal fits properly over the column plate, fix the steering column firmly to the floor pan, tighten the dashboard attaching screws, fix the transmission shift indicator, if exists, fix the trim panel and ashtray if removed and last fix the battery cable. Lift the front end and see that the steering wheel turn round and round without any hindrance to enable one ascertain that the flexible coupling has not been misshapen.

Remove the shift gate and the ignition switch actuator sector through the lock cylinder hole by pushing on the block tooth sector with a rod or punch.

Complete the process by installing the neutral safety or back-up switch and the four dash panel bracket to column screws, ensuring the slotted openings in the bracket face the upper end of the column.