Center Link/Drag Link

Replace the steering center link (intermediate shaft) connecting the steering column to the steering rack on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV electric vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering intermediate shaft (center link) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt × 1 — M10 bolt with patch

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position
3. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery (located in rear cargo area)
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Remove driver side front wheel for better access if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the intermediate shaft
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack. Remove any protective covers or shields that obstruct access. The upper coupling connects to the steering column shaft and the lower coupling connects to the steering rack pinion shaft.
2. 2

   Mark alignment positions
   Using a paint marker, make precise alignment marks across both the upper and lower coupling joints. Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and both the column shaft and rack pinion shaft. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel alignment during reassembly.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marking is essential. Misalignment will result in off-center steering wheel position.
3. 3

   Support the steering column
   Have an assistant hold the steering wheel stationary, or use a steering wheel holding device to prevent rotation. The steering wheel must not be turned once the intermediate shaft is disconnected to avoid damaging the airbag spiral cable.
4. 4

   Remove upper coupling bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt at the upper connection between the intermediate shaft and steering column shaft. Remove the coupling bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation and any washers present for reassembly.
   ⚠Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping when the bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Locate and remove the coupling bolt at the lower connection between the intermediate shaft and steering rack pinion shaft. This bolt may be accessed from underneath the vehicle. Support the intermediate shaft as you remove the bolt.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove intermediate shaft
   Carefully separate the intermediate shaft from both the upper steering column shaft and lower rack pinion shaft. The shaft may have a collapsible section or telescoping design. Remove the shaft from the vehicle, noting its orientation and any alignment features.
7. 7

   Inspect mating shafts
   Inspect both the steering column shaft and rack pinion shaft for wear, damage, or corrosion. Clean the splines with a wire brush if necessary. Check that the rack pinion shaft does not rotate (have assistant verify steering wheel remains stationary).
8. 8

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft, aligning it with both the upper column shaft and lower rack pinion shaft. Ensure all alignment marks line up correctly and that any splines or keyways are properly engaged. The shaft should slide into position smoothly without forcing.
   ⚠Verify steering wheel has not rotated from straight-ahead position before connecting shaft.
9. 9

   Install lower coupling bolt
   Install the new coupling bolt at the lower connection to the steering rack pinion shaft. Ensure the bolt passes through the alignment features in the coupling and pinion shaft. Torque the bolt to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install upper coupling bolt
    Install the new coupling bolt at the upper connection to the steering column shaft. Verify alignment marks are properly matched and the coupling is fully seated. Torque the bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall covers and wheel
    Reinstall any protective covers or shields removed during disassembly. If the front wheel was removed, reinstall it and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Lower vehicle to ground
3. Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointing straight ahead
4. Check that steering operates smoothly through full lock-to-lock travel

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to steering or airbag systems
• Turn steering wheel slowly through full range of motion with vehicle stationary, listening for unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper steering operation and wheel centering
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turns
• Check for any abnormal steering feedback or binding

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