Steering column is becoming loose on 1997 Buick Lesabre. I would like detailed instructions on removing the air bag module and steering wheel enouhg to get to where it needs to be tightened.

Steering Column Replacement Hope this helps?

Tools Required

• J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
• J 41352 Modular Column Holding Fixture

Removal Procedure

Warning! Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Caution! The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
Caution! Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.




2. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.




4. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
5. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
6. Lower the vehicle.




7. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Bracket Replacement - Knee Bolster in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
8. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector from the main body wiring harness.
9. Disconnect the shift lever cable from the linear shift assembly.




10. Remove the shift cable retaining clip.




11. Press the shift cable tabs (1) together and remove the shift cable (2) from the steering column.



Caution! The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.
Important Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

12. Support the column.




13. Remove the lower steering column retaining nuts.
14. Remove the upper steering column retaining nuts.
Important Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

15. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
16. Install the steering column into J 41352 .

Manual Steering Column with JL4) or
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement (Power Steering Column with JL4) ?
Preliminary Procedure Remove the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
1
Steering Angle Sensor Adapter
2
Steering Wheel Position Sensor
Procedure Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.
Tip
If reusing, secure the old steering wheel position sensor before removing it for proper alignment upon reinstallation. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering .

Callout

Component Name
Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
?€¢
The steering column
?€¢
The intermediate shaft
?€¢
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
Preliminary Procedure Remove the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
1
Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt
Procedure Remove the steering column boot seal in order to access the intermediate steering shaft bolt.
2
Intermediate Steering Shaft Nut
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Tighten
47 N?·m (35 lb ft)
3
Intermediate Steering Shaft
Tip
?€¢
If necessary, scribe location marks between the intermediate steering shaft and the steering column and the intermediate steering shaft and the steering gear to mark their alignment before removing.
?€¢
If replacing the intermediate steering shaft, transfer any scribe marks from the old one to the new one.

Callout

Component Name
Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
?€¢
The steering column
?€¢
The intermediate shaft
?€¢
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
Preliminary Procedures

1. Remove the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side .
2. Remove the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement .
3. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

1
Steering Column Nut (Qty: 4)
Notice: Refer to Title not found in the Preface section.
Tighten
25 N?·m (18 lb ft)
2
Steering Column
Procedure

Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.

If equipped with AN3, disconnect the automatic transmission range selector cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Replacement - Column .

Transfer any parts as needed.

In order to get into the steering column of a 1988 Chevrolet C1500 you must pull up on the switch to get it over the end of the steering shaft.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Code Reader Scanner tool

Hi, odds are your clockspring has broken. You'll have to remove the steering wheel to access the clockspring, which will require the use of a steering wheel puller. I have pasted procedures below from autozone.com. After removing the airbag and before removing the steering wheel, you can verify that the clockspring has failed, if desired, by testing the continuity of the wires from the airbag to the bottom of the steering column. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for using FixYa.
Removal & Installation CAUTION The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before removing the steering wheel. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Turn the ignition key cylinder to the LOCK position and remove the key. Turn the steering wheel a half turn toward the left until the steering column becomes locked in position.
3. Remove the 3 bolts attaching the air bag module to the steering wheel. Remove the air bag module.

CAUTION Disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) battery cable. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes before continuing with the removal procedure. This will disable the air bag system.

Fig. The airbag is attached to the steering wheel by three fasteners


Fig. After the airbag is unbolted from the steering wheel . . .


Fig. . . . reach behind and unplug the electrical connections

4. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the air bag module, horn switch and speed control switches.
5. Remove the routing clip for the wiring harness from the air bag module studs.
6. Remove the steering wheel mounting nut from the steering column shaft and remove the steering wheel damper from the steering wheel.

Fig. Always hold the airbag away from your body when transporting it to a storage area


Fig. With the airbag removed, the steering wheel retaining nut can be removed


Fig. After the nut is removed, set aside the damper plate . . .


Fig. . . . and use a paint marker to matchmark the steering wheel shaft with the wheel

7. Using a steering wheel puller tool, remove the steering wheel from the steering column shaft. Do not thread the steering wheel puller tool bolts into the steering wheel more than a 1/2 in. or damage to the SRS clockspring will result. Do not hammer or bump the steering column or shaft when removing the steering wheel
8. Remove and replace the clockspring.


Fig. A steering wheel puller must be used to remove the wheel from the shaft


Fig. Once the wheel is free of the shaft, carefully route the wires through the wheel

To install:
1. Before installing the steering wheel, the clockspring must be centered . Center the clockspring as follows:
a. Disengage the lock mechanism by depressing the 2 plastic locking pins.
b. Turn the clockspring rotor clockwise until it stops, while the lock mechanism is disengaged. Do not use excessive force.
c. From the end of the clockwise travel, turn the clockspring rotor counter-clockwise. The clockspring wires should be at the top. Engage the clockspring locking pins.
d. Turn the clockspring a 1/2 additional rotation counter-clockwise from the center locked position. This should put the clockspring wiring at the bottom.
e. The clockspring is now correctly positioned for installation of the steering wheel.

2. Install the steering wheel onto the steering column shaft. Make sure the master splines of the steering wheel and steering shaft are in correct alignment. Be sure the flats on the steering wheel align with the formations on the clockspring. All wiring leads from the clockspring must be routed correctly.
3. Install the steering wheel damper onto the steering wheel in its original position.
4.Install the steering wheel-to-steering shaft retaining nut. Torque the retaining nut to 45 ft. lbs. (61 Nm).
5. Reconnect the horn switch wiring lead from the clockspring, onto the steering wheel horn switch wiring.
6. If equipped with speed control, reconnect the speed control wiring from the clockspring onto the speed control switch.
7. Install the wiring lead from the clockspring onto the air bag module. Make the wiring connection onto the air bag module, by pressing straight in on the connector. Be sure it is fully seated.
8. Install the air bag module to the steering wheel and then install the 3 air bag module attaching nuts. Torque all 3 air bag module attaching nuts to 100 inch lbs. (11 Nm).
9. When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle that has had the air bag removed, the following procedure should be used:
a. Connect the DRB or equivalent scan tool, to the ASDM diagnostic 6-way connector.
b. Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit the vehicle with the DRB, and install the latest version of the proper diagnostic cartridge into the DRB.
c. Make sure there are no occupants in the vehicle and reconnect the negative battery cable.
d. Using the DRB, read and record active or stored fault codes. Take appropriate actions to correct any faults.
e. Erase stored fault codes. If problems remain, fault codes will not erase.
f. From the passenger side of the vehicle, turn the ignition key to OFF and then ON , observing the instrument cluster air bag lamp. It should go ON for 6-8 seconds, then go out. This will indicate that the air bag system is functioning normally.

WARNING If the air bag warning lamp fails to light, blinks ON and OFF or goes ON and stays ON, there is an air bag system malfunction.

g. Test the operation of any steering column functions such as the horn, lights or speed control system.
h. Road test vehicle. Be sure the speed control and steering systems are functioning properly

The "knucle" you are describing (The part with the U-joint built into it) is called the Intermediate Shaft.
It is somewhat common for the U-joints in this shaft to get loose. It is not difficult to replace. You just remove the bolt from the steering column main shaft under the dash and remove the bolt from the steering gear assembly. The shaft will then "collapse" or "push inside of itself" to provide the clearance to remove it from both ends. The hardest part is working the rubber boot out of the way where it goes through the toe-board. The boot is actually 2 pieces and can be moved in and out of itself as well, but can be somewhat difficult to get it moved out of the way far enough to work wjth the bolts at either end.

CAUTION: When removing the intermediate shaft, extreme care must be used to make sure that the upper steering column shaft (and steering wheel) does not rotate. If this rotates around, the contact assembly for the airbag can be damaged. When I am doing these, I usually take a bungee cord and run it from the steering wheel to the brake pedal lever. This will allow a little movement to work with the shaft while at the same time, preventing the steering wheel from rotating all the way around.

To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section. NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly (clock spring) to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the assembly.
   
2. Lock the steering column by installing the J42640 into the underside of the steering column.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the tires and wheels.
5. Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
6. Remove or disconnect the following: CAUTION
   Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control, which could result in personal injury.
   
• Intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and coupling from gear
• Pressure and return pipes from the gear
• Electrical connector, if equipped
  Stabilizer shaft links at lower control arms
• Remove the left stabilizer shaft insulator.
• Rotate the stabilizer shaft to access steering gear bolts.
• The outer tie rod retaining nuts.
• Using J24319-B separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
• Rack and pinion attaching bolts
• Rack and pinion assembly through the left wheel opening.
7. Transfer the outer tie rods if replacing the power steering gear.

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Rack and pinion assembly through the left wheel opening and tighten the bolts to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm)
   • Electrical connector, if equipped
     Pressure and return lines to the steering gear and tighten the fittings to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm)
   • Heat shield and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 7 ft. Lbs. (10 N)
   • Install the left stabilizer shaft insulator.
2. Install stabilizer shaft Links to lower control arms
3. Intermediate shaft to the steering gear and tighten the pinch bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm)
4. Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
5. Install the outer tie rods retaining nuts. torque the nuts to 22ft.lbs(30 Nm) plus an additional 180 degrees.
6. Install the tires and wheels.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the steering column anti rotation pin from the steering column.
9. Fill and bleed the power steering system.
10. Adjust the front toe.

Lock the steering column by installing the Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin tool J 42640 into the underside of the steering column--Aurora


Steering gear mounting bolts--Aurora




Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Heat Shield Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • The stabilizer shaft links.
   • Rotate the stabilizer shaft downward.
   • The electrical harness clip.
   • Power steering gear heat shield mounting bolts.
   • The heat shield.

To Install:

1. Install the power steering gear heat shield.
2. Install or connect the following:
   • The mounting bolts And torque to 89in.lbs.(10 Nm)
   • The electrical harness clip.
   • Rotate the stabilizer shaft into position.
   • The stabilizer shaft links.
3. Lower the vehicle.

Figure of heat shield removed from above rack bolts with location shown

The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 1. Raise and support the vehicle. 2. Remove the stabilizer shaft. 3. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury. Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 4. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear.

I would check the horn to see if it gets power with a testlight, and try to ground out one of the leads to see if it sounds. It should have power at all times and the button on the steering wheel controls the ground. That can be a source of the problem as well, the button on the steering wheel may not be grounding out the wire to the horn.

Can also take apart the steering wheel until you get down to the horn switch contact and try to ground it out with a screwdriver or test light to see if sounds the horn.

May have to remove the air bag first, though.

---
The following talks about the steering wheel disassembly:

Steering Wheel Removal & Installation Except Models With Air Bag To Remove:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Center the steering wheel so that the front wheels are straight.
3. If equipped, remove the horn cap from the center of the steering wheel. NOTE: If the horn cap or shroud is equipped with an electrical connector it must be unplugged in order to remove the cap/shroud from the steering column.
   Exploded view of a steering wheel mounting
   
   Steering wheel alignment and installation
   
   
4. Remove the steering wheel-to-steering shaft retainer clip (snapring), then loosen and remove the nut. NOTE: Since the steering column is designed to collapse upon impact, NEVER hammer on it!
   
5. Matchmark the relationship of the steering wheel to the steering shaft. Some models may already be equipped with one or more alignment marks. If not, make your own using a permanent marker.
6. Using a suitable steering wheel puller, such as No. J-1859-03 or equivalent, carefully draw the wheel from the steering column.

To Install:
NOTE: Before installing the steering wheel, be sure that the turn signal switch is in the Neutral position. DO NOT mis-align the steering wheel more than 0.8 in. (20mm) from the horizontal centerline.

1. Align the match marks and carefully fit the wheel onto the steering shaft splines.
2. Install the retaining nut and tighten to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
3. If equipped, install the horn pad.
4. Connect the negative battery cable. Remove the horn pad
   
   Unplug the horn wire
   
   Loosen and remove the wheel retaining nut
   
   Use a suitable threaded puller to loosen the steering wheel from the shaft
   
   Remove the steering wheel
   
   Matchmark the relationship of the steering wheel to the steering shaft
   
   

Models With Air Bag To Remove:
CAUTION
These models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Section 6.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR). Refer to Section 6 of this manual for this procedure.
3. Position the steering wheel so that it is in the horizontal position and the front wheel are straight.
4. Remove the air bag system inflator module as follows:
   • Make sure the air bag system is disabled and the negative battery disconnected.
   • Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees, this will enable you to gain access to the rear shroud holes-to-inflator module.
   • Insert a prytool and push the leaf spring to release the pin.
   • Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees to access the remaining shroud holes, then repeat the procedure to release the pin using the prytool.
   • Tilt the inflator module rearward from the top to access the module electrical wiring, then disengage the wiring from the module and the steering wheel.
   • Unplug the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer from the module.
5. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut and the horn plunger contact. NOTE: Since the steering column is designed to collapse upon impact, NEVER hammer on it!
   
6. Matchmark the relationship of the steering wheel to the steering shaft. Some models may already be equipped with one or more alignment marks. If not, make your own using a permanent marker.
7. Using a suitable steering wheel puller, such as No. J-1859-03 or equivalent, carefully draw the wheel from the steering column.

To Install:

1. Align the match marks and carefully fit the wheel onto the steering shaft.
2. Install the retaining nut and tighten to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
3. Install the inflator module as follows:
   • Attach the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer to the module.
   • Attach the inflator module wiring to the steering wheel and to the module.
   • Install the inflator module by pressing it into the steering wheel enough to engage and latch all four notched pins in the leaf spring. Make sure the wires are not pinched.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.
5. Enable the air bag system. Refer to Chasis Electrical.

If it's like my 1990 Cadillac Deville, the steering wheel along with the air bag will have to be removed to gain access to at least 2 of 4 bolts that hold the steering column tight.

A technician can tighten 2 of the 4 bolts in order to make the steering column as tight as it should be. It's not necessary or possible to reach all 4, believe it or not.

That's the way GM steering columns are, I guess.

Removal Procedure

Notice: Do not rotate steering shaft after steering column has been removed. Damage to SIR components may occur.

Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column lower trim cover using the J 42640.
Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator Replacement in Powertrain Management.Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.Place a drain pan below the steering gear. Remove the pressure and the return hoses from the power steering gear. Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent dirt from entering the system.Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt. Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling from the steering shaft. Remove the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement.Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and the washers from the frame. Remove the steering gear.
Installation Procedure


Install the steering gear. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Install the power steering gear to the frame washers and the mounting bolts. Tighten Tighten the power steering gear to frame mounting bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). Install the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement.Install the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear. Ensure that the alignment marks line up. Install the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt. Tighten Tighten the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.). Install the pressure and the return hoses to the power steering gear. TightenTighten the pressure hose to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.) for the vehicle equipped with the 2.2L engines. Tighten the pressure hose to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) for the vehicle equipped with the 4.3L engines. Tighten the return hose to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.). Install the intermediate shaft shield to the power steering gear. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator Replacement in Powertrain Management. Unlock the steering column by removing the J 42640 from the steering column lower steering column trim cover access hole. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding Power Steering System in Steering / Service and Repair.