Interm. Steering Shaft Lube - HELP!

silverad03 · February 4, 2006

OK - I'm trying to do the lube job on my intermediate steering shaft. So I just pullled the lower end of the intermediate steering shaft out of the lower shaft, pushing it up towards the firewall, then I get in the cab to push the upper end down towards the firewall and out of the steering column when....

the shaft comes halfway out of the steering column and gets stuck...so I push on it from a different angle and next thing I know the steering wheel and the shaft spin about a quarter turn with the intermediate shaft halfway out of the column....

so is it likely that I damaged the SIR clock spring?

If so, where is this d**n clock spring and what the hell does it do?

Can I start the truck and move it if the assembly is put back together and the clock spring got off-center or will this blow the airbags or make them inoperable or just what does this mean - I see all over the place warnings not to turn the wheel because you might damage the clock spring but I haven't found any info about just what the clock spring does...

I don't want to start my truck and blow the airbags!

Ape0r · February 4, 2006

I think as long as the wheel isn't turned a full revolution, its okay. But if that isn't the case, the damage is done already anyway.

If the SIR coil is damaged, your airbags will be non-functional and you'll get a light on the dash, they certainly won't blow upon startup =).

Bish · February 4, 2006

OK - I'm trying to do the lube job on my intermediate steering shaft. So I just pullled the lower end of the intermediate steering shaft out of the lower shaft, pushing it up towards the firewall, then I get in the cab to push the upper end down towards the firewall and out of the steering column when....

the shaft comes halfway out of the steering column and gets stuck...so I push on it from a different angle and next thing I know the steering wheel and the shaft spin about a quarter turn with the intermediate shaft halfway out of the column....

so is it likely that I damaged the SIR clock spring?

If so, where is this d**n clock spring and what the hell does it do?

Can I start the truck and move it if the assembly is put back together and the clock spring got off-center or will this blow the airbags or make them inoperable or just what does this mean - I see all over the place warnings not to turn the wheel because you might damage the clock spring but I haven't found any info about just what the clock spring does...

I don't want to start my truck and blow the airbags!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No worry if you only turned it a quarter turn. If you spin it a full turn is when you get into problems. As long as you know the original position and you return everything to their original position you are all set.

silverad03 · February 4, 2006

AWWW man! you guys are great!

I was really concerned I just screwed something up.

I only turned it a quarter turn so I should be ok then.

THANKS fellas!!

silverad03 · February 5, 2006

Well, I got it all put back together and no ABS light or other weird stuff so I think I'm ok.

I bought some AMSOIL Racing Grease and punched that intermediate steering shaft full of the stuff, nice and thick stuff...hopefully that lasts a while, we'll see...

Thanks again for the quick replies fellas! This is a great site!

Jason

redvett · February 5, 2006

This exactly is the reason no one should be working on there vehicle without a factory service manual. The manual is about $125 and the damage could have been over $100 just for the clock spring.

silverad03 · February 5, 2006

While you make a good plug for a factory service manual redvett, and I do agree with you about using factory service manuals, lack of manuals was not the case here.

I DO have a set of factory service manuals, and I was using it to help me get the shaft out at the time. However, the factory service manual (which I received from Helm last week) only said to make sure the steering wheel is in LOCK and to put some sort of special tool in the column on the underneath side, right behind the steering wheel. My steering wheel has never LOCKed from day 1 and I tried putting a screwdriver in the hole for the special tool thinking that would lock the wheel, but I couldn't get that to work.

The factory service manual definitely helped me get the shaft out properly. However, my problem of accidentally spinning the wheel was a matter of not having the right tool (the special tool called out in the manual) and, as the manual states, I am not trained as a GM Technician so I didn't have the background experience and expertise to know the effects of the wheel turning and what effects that might have.

Alas, I didn't have the special tool and the training called for in the factory service manual, I knew the dangers of this, held my mouth right, and went after the job anyway. I knew it might get expensive if I messed something up, but I had the manuals and took a calculated risk.

BTW, the factory service manual did warn me that if the wheel turned while disconnected that damage to the clock spring may result.

Ok, I got a little upset, rant over

Mr. Smith · February 5, 2006

This exactly is the reason no one should be working on there vehicle without a factory service manual. The manual is about $125 and the damage could have been over $100 just for the clock spring.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lighten up

You act like the guy was stealing money outta your wallet.

mmmikkke · February 5, 2006

If I were to bite the bullet and replace my steering shaft with the Borgeson unit, would I need that same special tool?

It just doesn't seem reasonable to go through this kind of stuff once a year just to fix a problem that could be fixed for good with a $200-$300 investment.

6Burgh · February 5, 2006

I didnt tear mine apart yet or take it in to be done under warranty so thats why I am gonna ask this even though it might be a dumb question. Is there a way to put a grease fitting on this shaft to just pump grease into it when the clunking starts? IT is a d**n shame GM is so anal about fixing this. Although it might not help anything it is definitely annoying and makes the vehicle feel like a junker when driving it like this. Less then 12,000 my new truck it started doing it.

redvett · February 5, 2006

I never said the tool had to be used BUT the warning is there and you need to heed it. My self when i do one i just take a 1" ratchet tie down and fasten it to the wheel and hook the other end to the assist handle on the passenger side of the vehicle. Works for me.

fossil · February 5, 2006

My steering wheel doesn't lock either, never has from day one. It's an 05 model.

Did GM do away with this feature?

redvett · February 5, 2006

My 2000,01, 03 & 04 didnt lock.The only reason the used to locl in earlier M/Y was theft deterent and later was removed since there is a better theft system on all vehicles tied into the PCM,BCM & ign.