Does Anyone Know How To
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 190
From: Washington, left coast
remove permanently or to service it?
Not sure exactly why you would want to remove it, but when I had a column problem I went thru all that stuff including the "wheel lock". I understand that to be the mechanism that prevents the wheel from being turned when the ignition is off, correct?
1. pull power off (at batt neg)
2. Dis-assemble horn button by pulling horn pad/cover & disconnect wire(s)
3. Index & pull steering wheel off with appropriate puller
4. Carefully remove electrical horn contact ring & buzzer contact
5. Carefully slide turn signal quadrant out of the way leaving wires hooked up
6. Should nopw be able to pull/lift column lock pin out of receptacle. there's a spring behind it.
Thinking about it, I see no reason why you couldnt remove it permanently if you want to, but what problem are you trying to solve here?
The reason I dis-assembled mine was due to unable to turn key internittantly, especially when cold. Turned out the transmission interlock cable was worn & binding, not releasing the key cylinder lock (not the wheel lock) when the tranny was in park. I simply removed the cable assy because no matter what I tried (lube, alignment etc) I couldnt get the cable to free up & didnt want to spend $100 on a new one. Now I can start the car in any gear - which may or maynot be a good thing!
Not sure exactly why you would want to remove it, but when I had a column problem I went thru all that stuff including the "wheel lock". I understand that to be the mechanism that prevents the wheel from being turned when the ignition is off, correct?
1. pull power off (at batt neg)
2. Dis-assemble horn button by pulling horn pad/cover & disconnect wire(s)
3. Index & pull steering wheel off with appropriate puller
4. Carefully remove electrical horn contact ring & buzzer contact
5. Carefully slide turn signal quadrant out of the way leaving wires hooked up
6. Should nopw be able to pull/lift column lock pin out of receptacle. there's a spring behind it.
Thinking about it, I see no reason why you couldnt remove it permanently if you want to, but what problem are you trying to solve here?
The reason I dis-assembled mine was due to unable to turn key internittantly, especially when cold. Turned out the transmission interlock cable was worn & binding, not releasing the key cylinder lock (not the wheel lock) when the tranny was in park. I simply removed the cable assy because no matter what I tried (lube, alignment etc) I couldnt get the cable to free up & didnt want to spend $100 on a new one. Now I can start the car in any gear - which may or maynot be a good thing!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 17
I want to remove it permanently. It is a drag car. I was at the track yesterday and the throttle stuck ( have since solved that problem) When I went to shut the car down by turning the key to the off position the steering wheel locked going 140 + not a good feature ! Just want to make sure all my bases are covered if anything should happen again.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 190
From: Washington, left coast
Yep, good call....bet that made yer eyes get BIG...glad ya didnt bend something up!
you shouyld be able to remove the lock pin & spring pretty easy & that'll be all ya need to do (other than re-assembly). If you have a good steering wheel puller it shouldnt take but an hour or so (yeah, I know every one's done it quicker than that, but I like to take my time & make certain I have everything done right & hopefully only do the job once!)
you shouyld be able to remove the lock pin & spring pretty easy & that'll be all ya need to do (other than re-assembly). If you have a good steering wheel puller it shouldnt take but an hour or so (yeah, I know every one's done it quicker than that, but I like to take my time & make certain I have everything done right & hopefully only do the job once!)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 17
Me to ! Speed kills ! There is only one way to do a job, the right way. It should be really easy since the horn and the air bag are gone. I have taken the steering wheel off many times also, I do believe the steering column is the last item on the car that I have not taken apart yet ( that will change tomorrow). Thank you for your help ~ Jason
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 645
From: Modesto, CA
ah i remember a simlar story about a guy w/ a chevelle who had just totally restored it, was tuning a new carb and using the "run it to redline then shut it off " trick to check the plugs and see if he was going rich or lean... turned off key, wheel locked, flew off road. I don't think he checked the a/f ratio 