So we replaced my clutch, had everything together, turned the car on it worked fine. Coulda swore I turned the steering wheel too. I was having running issues with a k&n cai and when I told my buddy to turn the wheel left he said he couldn't and heard a crack and then the service air bag light came on. We took out the bolt from the u-joint under the steering wheel to help get the shaft in the u-joint (under the hood) and when removed the bolt again we saw that it was where it was supposed to be and that the shaft had to be moved up about a quarter inch. Could that be why it wasn't turning left? It's as if the the whole shaft shrunk. Any ideas? And for the love of god does any one know how to get the damn splash guards back on?

 

your clock spring in the steering column for the air bag is now broken 125. turn signals etc wont cancel either . 250
the steering intermediate shaft may be damaged 300
the cross bolt should be replaced if its been hammered. 1.50

etc. sorry but steering is important and there has been damage done, please remove the steering wheel and check into it

 

That's just awesome. I'm guessing those numbers u have are how much it's gonna cost to fix it...

 

I would think that's a good guess ^

 

lol you driving around like zoolander and doing right turns until you turn left? haha

 

Lmao no no I wasn't driving the car, we didn't even take it off the jacks. The only thing I can think of is that we had the steering wheel turned too far when we connected the linkage and that's how he broke the spring.

 

Yeah you must have turned the wheel while it was disconnected. That's why I always leave the rack in the car

For next time, always remove the key and lock the steering wheel before you take apart the steering linkage, prevents this expensive damage.

 

shoulda done that

 

eggzactly.Leave the rack behind. And way easier than trying to get the darn u j back on, fml.

 

I'm not a mechanic (clearly) I was just following directions x_x

 

But thanks guys, at least I know what I gotta do from here, appreciate the help!!

 

crate engine depot for parts or a scrap yard. its a pita without a puller to remove the steering wheel but not that difficult, You MUST remove airbag fuses and disconnect sensor at front of rad tie bar before servicing the clock spring. good luck.

 

I was able to remove my steering wheel by loosening the nut. Made sure it was still on there and jiggled back and forth like hell and it popped off. My clock spring was messed up so I replaced it. Was less than 40 bucks from the dealer and all I did was unclip the harness and unbolt clock spring, and replace it with new one.

I made sure battery was disconnected. Didn't have to mess with fuses or any sensors on the rad support.

Clock spring was very simple to change.

Just throwing out my experiences

 

I'm kinda scared of an airbag blowing up in my face so Ill disconnect sensors out of fear lol, nd hopefully I can get the price u got. I looked at my other Balt to see how the splash guards went so hopefully it's done tmrw. Any suggestions on the intake fitment issue? I might just chop the bend off since that's what's causing it to dig into the wheel well

 

im removed the airbag tons of times and had my steering wheel off several times too. I had to replace my clock spring once. Its pretty easy to do. if you need help let me know.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate it

 

Disconnect battery, remove stearing wheel nut, firm grip and a wiggle the wheel will come off in your hand.

The rack and pinion is likely fine. Disasseble the bolt again and ensure it is lined up correctly this time

 

Can't i just line the steering wheel up correctly when I put it back on?

 

steering wheel has a master spline, will go back only one way. go measure the tie rods and get them set equal length by turning the rack without the steering shaft connected. then line up the steering wheel on the column ( only goes one way on) and then line up the steering IM shaft u joint to the rack shaft so the dimple in the shaft is in line with the clamping hole in the UJ. If the bolt slides through its good, if you have to hammer it , it is not.

 

Thanks Powell, nd PsychoCam what dealership did u go to!? Mine wants 99+ tax