Tip & How-To about Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Rack and Pinion steering gear RnR 1995 - 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo and Impala (FWD)

To start: Make sure the steering shaft and or wheel is not turned during this repair =|= You can damage the air bag system coil. Put the key in and lock the wheel or use a seat-belt and tie off the wheel so it will not turn.  Take the battery loose. check your radio for any codes to reset it after finished or turn off the lockout before you disconnect the battery. If you have a 3.4 DOHC engine remove the air cleaner and duct work.  You will have to jack up the front of the car and make it secure with good supports and locking the rear wheels, You will be under the car so - be safe, be sure, be safe. You have to remove the front tire/wheels and your jack stands have to be behind the front sub-frame, you can not use the sub-frame for support during this job. Set the wheel straight ahead. Pull back the boot at the bottom of the steering column shaft, mark the coupler and steering input shaft.  If you have the 3.4L DOHC remove the right side engine splash shield, and the exhaust pipe / catalytic / converter  assembly .  Separate the tie-rods ends from the steering arms, count how many turns it takes to remove them. then you can some what preserve your front-end alignment. Support the rear of the sub-frame with a jack giving room to access the rear most part of the sub-frame. Remove the rear sub-frame bolts, loosen the front bolts Do Not Remove them!!! lower the rear approx 5 inches DO NOT LOWER TO MUCH YOU CAN DAMAGE SOME ENGINE COMPONENTS.  Remove the heat shield form the steering gear. Take any pipe or hoses loose form support clips on the body. You will need a drain pan to catch any fluid that drains out. Using a flare nut wrench take loose the pressure and return lines from the gear. Plug the lines to stop fluid from draining out of the lines. Remove the gear retaining nuts and bolts. Pull the gear out of the supports move it forward and detach the steering coupler from the steering shaft. Support the gear and it comes out the left side wheel opening.  To reinstall pass the new gear through the left wheel opening and place it in position in the mounts reinstall the shaft coupler and the bolts/nuts in the supports. reattach the lines, the heat shield, and if you can find them you should use new sub-frame bolts, run the rear in first and then the front, one at the time and torque the bolts to 133 ft-lbs. Reconnect the tie rods to the steering arms. Reinstall the exhaust system now. Check the wheel center using the marks made on the shaft, be sure the coupler is seated before you tighten the pinch bolt. Reinstall the front wheels, lower the car off the stands. Reconnect the battery. Fill the power steering pump to the recommended level start up the car and ck for leaks, have the alignment checked per a tire / alignment shop.  

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remove steering column
why not say reason.. ??? is the actual shaft bad,
or just swapping out the whole thing.> with igntion switch and combo switch?
the whole inside parts?
are you removing the steering wheel ?

first hard part is air bags, very dangerous.
and the coil spring, in wheel hub. easy to damage that.
first off major work , you need the FSM. why not get it and read it.

if no bags , good. easier.
the other issue is the
there are 3 critical steps.
1: Bags.
2: ignition switch assy, anthieft screws.
3: collapsible shaft, possible damage.
4: the steering wheel puller and steps. the FSM covers each separately.

wheel. quote
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and disable the air bag system.
  2. Set the front tires in a straight-ahead position.

  1. Remove the air bag module retaining nuts from behind the steering wheel.
  2. Remove the air bag module. Defeated first !!!!
  3. If equipped, remove the cruise control switch.
  4. Disconnect the horn wiring.
  5. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
  6. Scribe a line mark on the steering wheel and steering shaft if there is not one already.
  7. Remove the steering wheel using a suitable puller.
  8. the palm smacking trick can get the wheel off if lucky.
To install:
  1. To install, align the scribe marks on the steering shaft with the steering wheel.
  2. Ensure the wheel compresses the 2 locktabs on the clockspring.
  3. Pull the air bag and if equipped, cruise control wires through the larger hole and horn wire through the smaller hole. Ensure they are not pinched.
  4. Install the steering wheel nut and tighten it to 45 ft. lbs. (61 Nm) while forcing the steering wheel down the shaft with the nut.
  5. Connect the wire feed to the horn buttons.
  6. Connect the feed wires and tighten the air bag retaining nuts to 90 inch lbs. (10 Nm). Ensure the air bag is completely seated. The latching clip arms must be visible on top of the connector housing on the module.
  7. Enable the air bag system and connect the battery cable.
  8. From the right side of the vehicle (in case of accidental deployment), turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  9. Check for proper air bag warning light operation.
end quote, get the FSM. there are many more pages, for
the COMBO section, and shaft.
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Nov 16, 2013 • 1991 Jeep Cherokee Limited
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airbag light is on horn is not working what to do
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.

 jturcotte_466.jpgFig. The airbag is attached to the steering wheel by three fasteners

jturcotte_467.jpg
Fig. After the airbag is unbolted from the steering wheel . . .

jturcotte_468.jpg
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.
jturcotte_469.jpg
Fig. Always hold the airbag away from your body when transporting it to a storage area

jturcotte_471.jpg
Fig. With the airbag removed, the steering wheel retaining nut can be removed

jturcotte_472.jpg
Fig. After the nut is removed, set aside the damper plate . . .

jturcotte_473.jpg
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.

jturcotte_470.jpg
Fig. A steering wheel puller must be used to remove the wheel from the shaft

jturcotte_474.jpg
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
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Apr 24, 2011 • 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager
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I am trying to pull the steering wheel column off to change the key cylinder for a new key in a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville, but I am having some trouble. I have taken the air bag off and the steering wheel and the coil for the air bag. Now there is a metal piece that is blocking me from getting to everything else. How do I get this piece out so I can get to the turn signals and the key cylinder ? The manuel I have does not cover this.
You need the proper tool. A steering wheel puller will remove it with ease. It has a center shaft to push on the column and bolts to the wheel itself. When you turn the center shaft it pulls the wheel right off. Try to remove a steering wheel without a puller can damage the column.
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Mar 08, 2011 • 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
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I have a 94 chevy cavalier station wagon i lost the key to the ignition got a key made but it wont turn the dadlfr said i could take the tumbler out and they could set the tumbler to the new key .....1 is this true and if so how do i take the tumbler out with out tearing out the whole column
yes the tumbler cann be re coded make sure if car has air bag i dont reccomend you repair it yourself air bags are extremely dangerous and have to be properly handled

here are the steps to removing steering wheel
ponents, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SRS, as described in Section 6.
  1. If equipped, disable the SIR system. For details, please refer to the procedure located in Section 6 of this manual.
87958046.gif

Pull the horn pad from the steering wheel - 1988 Sunbird shown
Click to Enlarge 87958047.gif

Detach the horn electrical connector
Click to Enlarge 87958048.gif

On some earlier model vehicles, you must remove a retaining circlip
Click to Enlarge 87958049.gif

Unfasten the steering shaft nut
Click to Enlarge 87958050.gif

If there are no factory alignment marks, matchmark the steering wheel to the shaft
Click to Enlarge 87958051.gif

Use a suitable puller to remove the steering wheel from the vehicle
Click to Enlarge 87958053.gif

When installing the steering wheel, make sure the align the matchmarks made during removal
Click to Enlarge

  1. If not done already, disconnect the negative cable.
  2. Unfasten the retaining screws or pull the pad/center cap from the steering wheel.
  3. Detach the horn lead, then remove remove the retainer (if so equipped).
  4. Unfasten the steering shaft nut.
  5. There should be alignment marks already present on the wheel and shaft. If not, matchmark the steering wheel to the shaft.
  6. Using a suitable steering wheel puller, remove the wheel from the vehicle. On some vehicles, a horn spring, eyelet and insulator are underneath; don't lose the parts.

To install:

  1. If equipped, install the spring, eyelet and insulator into the tower on the column.
  2. Install the wheel on the shaft, aligning the matchmarks. Install the shaft nut and tighten to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm).
  3. Install the retainer.
  4. Attach the horn lead, then install the pad or center cap.
  5. If equipped, make sure to enable the SIR system as outlined in Section 6 of this manual.
  6. Connect the negative battery cable
plz leave me a comment
if you need any more help reply
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Jan 19, 2011 • Chevrolet Cavalier Cars & Trucks
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how to replace the ignition on a 1991 oldsmobile cutlass cierra
If you mean the ignition lock cylinder:

Ignition Lock Cylinder CAUTION
If the car is equipped with an air bag, do not service the steering column or dashboard components. Extreme danger of air bag deployment exists even with the battery removed! Serious injury could occur. REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Without Air Bag
  1. Place the ignition switch in the RUN position.
  2. Remove the lockplate, turn signal switch and buzzer switch.
  3. Remove the screw and lock cylinder. NOTE: If the screw is dropped on removal, it could fall into the column, requiring complete disassembly to retrieve the screw. To install:
  4. Rotate the cylinder clockwise to align cylinder key with the keyway in the housing.
  5. Push the lock all the way in.
  6. Install the screw. Tighten the screw to 14 inch lbs. (2 Nm) for adjustable columns and 25 inch lbs. (3 Nm) for standard columns.
With Air Bag CAUTION
Before proceeding, refer to Section 6 for information on disabling and enabling the SIR (air bag) system; otherwise, serious injury could occur.
  1. Turn the steering wheel so the vehicles wheels are pointed straight ahead.
  2. Place the ignition switch into the LOCK position to prevent undercentering of the coil assembly.
  3. Disable the SIR system. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  4. Remove the coil assembly retaining ring, then disconnect the inflatable restraint coil assembly. Let the switch hang freely if removal is not needed. To remove the coil assembly proceed.
  5. Remove the wave washer, then the shaft retaining lock ring with tool J-23653-SIR to push down on the shaft lock. Dispose of the ring, it is not reusable. Fig. 1: Special tool J-23653-SIR or equivalent is required for pushing down the shaft lock to remove the shaft ring 86818085.gif
  6. Remove the shaft lock, then disconnect the canceling cam assembly.
  7. Remove the upper bearing spring, race seat and race.
  8. Position the turn signal to the right turn (up) position.
  9. Remove the multi-function lever and hazard knob assembly. Unfasten the round washer head screw and signal switch arm, along with the turn signal switch screws.
  10. Remove the turn signal switch assembly by unfastening the connector from the bulkhead connector. Gently pull on the harness through the column and disconnect.
  11. Make sure the coil assembly does not become uncentered, this could happen if the centering spring is pushed down letting the hub rotate while the coil is removed from the steering column.
  12. Remove the inflatable restraint coil assembly with the wiring harness from the column assembly.
  13. Remove the wire protector, then attach a length of mechanics wire to the coil terminal connector to aid in reassembly. Then gently pull the wire through the column.
  14. Remove the key from the steering column lock cylinder set, then remove the buzzer switch assembly.
  15. Reinsert the key into the lock cylinder, turn it to the LOCK position.
  16. Remove the lock retaining screw, then the cylinder. To install: NOTE: Make sure all fasteners are securely seated before applying the necessary torque. If you fail to do so, component damage or malfunctioning of the steering column may occur.
  17. Install the lock cylinder assembly, insert the retaining screw, then tighten to 22 inch lbs. (2.5 Nm).
  18. Insert the key into the lock cylinder. Install the buzzer switch assembly. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
  19. Install the turn signal switch assembly wiring harness through the column, let the switch hang freely. Connect the wiring to the bulkhead.
  20. Insert the coil assembly wiring harness through the column letting the coil hang freely. Attach the turn signal assembly with the binding head screws. Tighten the screws to 30 inch lbs. (3 Nm).
  21. Attach the signal switch arm with the round washer head screw, tighten the screw to 20 inch lbs. (2 Nm).
  22. Install the hazard knob assembly and the multi-function lever.
  23. Install the inner race, upper bearing race seat and spring. Attach the turn signal cancelling cam assembly, apply grease for lubrication.
  24. Replace the shaft lock and install a new shaft lock retaining ring. Use tool J-23653–SIR or equivalent to push down on the shaft lock. The ring must be firmly seated in the groove on the shaft. NOTE: Set the steering shaft so that the block tooth on the race and upper shaft is at the 12 o'clock position. The wheel on the car should be straight ahead. Set the ignition switch to the LOCK position, as this will ensure no damage to the coil assembly.
  25. Install the wave washer, then attach the coil assembly, make sure it is centered correctly. Fig. 2: Centering the coil assembly is important in assembling the column assembly 86818086.gif

  26. Attach the coil assembly retaining ring, the ring must be firmly seated in the groove on the shaft.
  27. Gently pull the lower coil assembly, turn signal, and pivot (pulse) wires to remove any kinks that may be inside the steering column assembly. If you fail to do this you can damage the wiring.
  28. Complete assembling the steering column assembly.
  29. Attach the negative battery cable.
  30. Check the functions of the turn signal, make sure it cancels when turned on and the steering wheel is turned.
  31. Enable the SIR system. prev.gif next.gif

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Aug 01, 2010 • 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
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