Cascade Crew

91camaro_rs · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject: steering column

so i need a new steering column, is there a way i can take my ignition and put it in the new column so i can use the same keys, and how hard is it to replace the steering column?

rjmcgee · The Hammer Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 2328

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:27 pm Post subject:

Gotta love the steering wheel bomb. Rolling Eyes

Like Rodney, I have an older (better Razz

) column in mine, so I can't offer advise about the bag.

In order to replace the lock you'll need to pull the steering wheel, and dig down into the column a bit. There are a few little metal pieces that will doubtlessly drop down inside, and result in a bit of fishing, but nothing to bad. Don't know why you would replace it though. Easier to get a key made since it's a Chebby and the door lock is different. (Damn F*rds and their sameness))

The entire column itself is a fairly easy dropout, but getting the midshaft onto the column under the hood can result in a bit of hammer work.

Al Hasse · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 4:05 am Post subject:

Airbag part is easy enough, haven't done the rest so I can't help there. It has a fuse that needs pulled, or disconnect the battery about 1/2 hour before you start. Remove the 4 torx head bolts (I forget the size offhand) from the back side of the wheel, then the airbag can lift out, then disconnect the wire (yellow IIRC) that connects the bag to the column. Then you can remove the column normally.

I watched as a locksmith removed mine so I could have a new key made, I found the keys later in the car, under the seat Shocked

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:15 am Post subject:

Whole thing is a piece of cake.

What's wrong with your column now?

To replace the ignition lock cylinder you'll need a steering wheel puller/harmonic balancer puller, steering wheel lock plate tool, assorted torx bits.

Air bag is easy, disconnect battery, unscrew, unplug air bag.
Take off wheel.
Take off snap ring with lock plate tool.
Take off spring and retainer.
Take off turn signal cam.
Unscrew and pull out turn signal switch:
-Pull lever out
-unscrew hazard switch
Unscrew single hold down bolt for lock cyl.
Pull out lock cyl.

83Z28BlackBetty · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:32 am Post subject:

Its pretty straight forward as paul said. Just do this in reverse. It will tell you how it all goes together. Best writeup i've ever seen btw, definitely saved my a$$.

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html

~JAKE

91camaro_rs · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:27 am Post subject:

ok cool thanks guys, i when i put my new wheels on i had it aligned and they said that they aligned it perfectly but it still pulls to the right because something in the steering column is bad. will i have to get another alignment?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:07 am Post subject:

Car shouldn't pull because of the steering column........

aaron_sK · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

91camaro_rs · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:10 pm Post subject:

well in order to go straight the wheel has to be turned like 10 degrees to the left. so maybe i just need to re-align the wheel

aaron_sK · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject:

Pulling is the car steering itself. A misaligned wheel is just that, no pull. When you let go of the wheel at speed, does it stay straight?

If you just need the wheel aligned, I have a puller you can borrow to do it yourself.

91camaro_rs · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:58 pm Post subject:

when i let go at speed it stays somewhat straighter but not really, i can take an off ramp by just letting go of the wheel and it will get me off the freeway perfectly. is re-aligning it pretty easy with the puller?

chevymad · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

They're still bullshittin you anyway. You should never have to move the steering wheel. In fact i'm not even sure its possible. Usually the horn ring only goes on one way, and then it has to line up with the wheel.

But in any case, the steering wheel is set straight with the front end alignment. Its simply a matter of moving both tie rod ends and equal amount until the wheel is straight. Plus it sounds like the car does actually pull, which means theres even more problems. Either make the shop do it right or find a better shop.

iansane · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:14 pm Post subject:

Where'd you take it?

Al Hasse · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject:

I had mine re-aligned because the wheel wasn't straight. The car wandered a little, but that's partially due to a shot rag joint. Came out alot better second time around.

Since I intend on changing things around that may affect the alignment here and there, I found a shop that offers lifetime alignment services. Costs more up front for the first alignment, but all the rest are free - well worth it.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject:

Nice AL. Wish I had something like that here!

I can't remember, are thirdgen column shafts keyed for the wheel?

As stated the alignment shop should make the wheel straight. When I took the Mazda in, the splines are consistant, so you could put the wheel on anyway you wanted. They set me up so the car drives straight, no pulling, and the wheel is straight too. I'd take it back and have them do it right.

The alignment shop is supposed to find center on the pitman and adjust accordingly. Brandon's right on a keyed wheel column. The jeep is super easy because all you do is set toe, then adjust the drag link to get the wheel straight.

Al Hasse · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:39 pm Post subject:

Firestone offers it here. I also have an account there for things I don't have the facilities to do.

I don't know if the shaft is keyed for the wheel, I should remember since I just helped Mike (IROCKETZ28) with his a couple of weeks ago - he had all the insides of the wheel out to replace the multifunction lever (blinker stem).

blue89 · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:16 am Post subject:

It is keyed. And ya, the place you took it too is retarded if they think your steering column is the problem. They must be too lazy to do it.

91camaro_rs · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:14 am Post subject: