Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure covers removal and installation of the upper steering shaft on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnection from the lower shaft coupling and removal from the steering column.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — GM Part Number (verify with dealer)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead
2. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
4. Open hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Wait at least 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
6. Adjust driver's seat fully rearward for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the lower steering column cover using a T30 Torx bit. Carefully separate the upper and lower column covers and remove them from the steering column. Set covers aside in a clean area.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Lock steering wheel in position
   Insert a steering wheel holder or locking pin through the steering wheel and into the steering column to prevent rotation. Verify the steering wheel is centered and locked in the straight-ahead position. This prevents clockspring damage during shaft removal.
3. 3

   Access upper coupling connection
   Working from inside the vehicle, locate the upper steering shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the lower intermediate shaft. Use a work light to clearly see the coupling bolt. Note the alignment marks on the coupling for reassembly reference.
4. 4

   Remove coupling bolt
   Using the appropriate socket, remove and discard the coupling bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower intermediate shaft. Separate the coupling by pulling the upper shaft upward slightly. Do not rotate either shaft during this process.
   ⚠The coupling bolt must be discarded and replaced with a new bolt. Do not reuse the old bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the steering column that may interfere with upper shaft removal. This may include ignition lock cylinder connectors or steering angle sensor connectors depending on vehicle configuration. Press the locking tabs and carefully pull connectors apart.
6. 6

   Remove upper shaft mounting fasteners
   Locate and remove the mounting bolts securing the upper steering shaft bracket to the steering column support. There are typically 2-3 bolts. Support the shaft assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove upper steering shaft assembly
   Carefully slide the upper steering shaft assembly upward and out of the steering column, guiding it past any wiring harnesses. Take care not to damage the clockspring assembly or any electrical connectors. Inspect the removed shaft for wear, damage, or binding.
   ℹ️Inspect the shaft splines and coupling for wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace if any abnormalities are found.
8. 8

   Prepare new upper steering shaft
   Unpack the new upper steering shaft assembly and verify it matches the removed part. Ensure the shaft moves freely without binding. Apply a small amount of lithium-based grease to the shaft splines if not pre-lubricated from the factory.
9. 9

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Carefully guide the new upper steering shaft assembly into the steering column from above, ensuring proper alignment with the mounting bracket. Avoid forcing the shaft and ensure no wiring harnesses are pinched. Align the mounting holes with the column support.
10. 10

    Install mounting bolts
    Install the mounting bolts through the upper shaft bracket into the steering column support. Start all bolts by hand before tightening. Torque the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified value to ensure even clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect shaft coupling
    Align the upper steering shaft coupling with the lower intermediate shaft coupling, matching the alignment marks noted during disassembly. Ensure the shafts are fully engaged and the splines are properly meshed. Install the new coupling bolt by hand first to verify proper thread engagement.
    ⚠Verify alignment marks match before installing the coupling bolt to ensure proper steering wheel centering.
12. 12

    Torque coupling bolt
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the new coupling bolt to the specified torque value. Ensure the coupling does not shift during tightening. Verify the coupling is secure and there is no movement between the upper and lower shafts.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical components
    Reconnect all electrical connectors that were disconnected during removal. Ensure all locking tabs engage fully and connectors are seated properly. Verify no wiring is pinched or interfering with steering shaft movement.
14. 14

    Remove steering wheel lock and verify operation
    Remove the steering wheel holder or locking pin. Carefully rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock while verifying smooth operation without binding, clicking, or unusual noises. The steering wheel should return to center easily. Verify the steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead.
15. 15

    Reinstall column covers
    Position the upper and lower steering column covers back onto the steering column, ensuring all clips and tabs engage properly. Install and torque the cover screws to specification using a T30 Torx bit. Verify all cover edges are flush and properly seated.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and ensure connection is secure
2. Return driver's seat to desired position
3. Remove wheel chocks from rear wheels

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster related to steering or airbag systems
• With the engine running, turn the steering wheel fully left and right multiple times, listening for unusual noises or binding
• Verify the steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, verifying proper steering response and no vibrations or unusual feedback through the steering wheel
• Check that all steering column covers are securely fastened and there are no rattles or loose trim pieces

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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