Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1991 Chevrolet APVFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Standard Column: Disassembly
- Remove dash panel bracket and screws from column. Secure lower end of steering column jacket in vise. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEELΒ removal and installation. Remove all column switches. See STEERING COLUMN article in the STEERING section. On column shift models, remove shift lever pivot pin and lever.
- Remove upper bearing washer. Remove turn signal and ignition lock housing screws. Remove housing assembly. Remove bushing and retainer from lower end of housing. Remove ignition switch actuating rod, rack assembly, rack preload spring, shaft lock bolt and spring assembly from housing. Remove shift lever detent plate.
- Using a blunt punch or screwdriver, remove ignition switch actuator sector through lock cylinder hole by firmly pushing on block tooth of sector. Remove gear shift lever housing and shroud from jacket assembly. On floor shift models, remove transmission control lock tube housing and shroud. Remove shift lever spring from gear shift lever housing. On floor shift models, remove lock tube spring.
- Remove steering shaft from lower end of jacket. Disconnect back-up switch or neutral/safety switch. Remove lower bearing retaining clip. Remove lower bearing retainer, bearing adapter assembly, shift tube spring and washer. Using light pressure on bearing outer race, remove lower bearing from adapter. Slide out shift tube assembly.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
