How in world do you remove...

[Mr.Martin]

the steering column lock plate? I'm swapping out my 2002 steering wheel and installing an 04 wheel. I removed the steering column from the 04 (thought this was supposed to be the hard part). Found the correct air bag etc...

I picked this up at a u-pull-it so someone had their way with the lock cylinder so I have to replace the lock mechanism with mine. There is a security bolt on the side and two under the lock plate. These cannot be removed until the lock plate has been removed. I've searched and searched online for the answer because I hate asking repeat questions. I've been to three of the major part store chains and none of their tools work. The bracket on the tool is too wide. If you search youtube there is one guy who did this to a pre 91 which is a different setup. I've removed everything else off of the column except for this.

If I can get this figured out I plan to make a write up of how to convert the 99-02 wheel to the cooler looking 03-07 wheel. And no it's not as easy as just swapping the wheel.

 

[fiatdale]

You need a steering wheel puller set. All the major tool companies make them, mine is Cornwell. Basically it will thread onto the steering shaft, and compress that plate, so that you can get the clip off, and slowly release the plate off, this giving you access to that one bolt behind the plate.

It's not difficult to do but you need the right tools, and be careful because it will be under some good pressure when you compress it.

 

[livingez_123]

I made my own tool to do that.

 

[Mr.Martin]

You need a steering wheel puller set. All the major tool companies make them, mine is Cornwell. Basically it will thread onto the steering shaft, and compress that plate, so that you can get the clip off, and slowly release the plate off, this giving you access to that one bolt behind the plate.

It's not difficult to do but you need the right tools, and be careful because it will be under some good pressure when you compress it.

I bought a specific tool for the lock plate that threads onto the shaft but the brackets are too wide to grab to get access to the C clamp. The steering wheel pullers I've seen don't thread onto the center shaft.

 

[YukonXL04]

Pull on the wheel with alot of pressure, and have someone tap on the shaft with a hammer... Got mine off that way

 

[fiatdale]

The bracket is too large in most kits. Take a hammer to it to close the gap between the two prongs so it fits correctly.

The steering wheel puller wont thread onto the shaft, but that lock plate pusher will.

 

[Mr.Martin]

LOL OP, I've already got the wheel removed. That's the easy part and all you have to do is pimp slap the wheel and it comes right off. Removed six of them this weekend.

 

[fiatdale]

99-02 stick a little. 03+ just give a light tug. Try giving your tool a smack with a hammer and let me know if it works.

 

[redemn93]

just give a light tug. Try giving your tool a smack with a hammer and let me know if it works.

is it childish of me to laugh at that?

 

[fiatdale]

Take it however you want to.

-also that sentence.