Question about Clock Spring

[chrisu7582]

I posted this in the Tech forum but have not gotten any answer and was just wondering if anyone in here might know.

I have just purchased my first Chevy Tahoe and I have found this site very uselful in some of things I am wanting to do to my new ride. So glad I have stumbled upon this site and thanks for taking the time to help me.

I purchased a 2004 Chevy Tahoe LT last week and have found a few nit pick things I want to get fixed. (Tire monitor system, heater in back seats, clunking at low speeds when turning due to the intermediate steering system)
I just have got off the phone with the GM dealer in town and they said I will need a new clock spring as well. Well they were wanting to charge me almost $600 parts and labor for it and I said...."No thanks".
I have found a new clock spring from A1auto and was going to get it and install it myself.
My question is this: Every site I have found that has the clock springs it says this "Excludes Electronic Control Steering"
What is this and will I need it? The top buttons (cruise, volume,seek) on my steering wheel do not work and only a few light up. All of my lower buttons work ( mileage, arrow) I am just not sure exactly what the Electronic Control Steering is.

Thanks for your help. I tried the search function and see if I could find an answer without posting but either its not on here, or I just suck at the search feature. Either way, any help would be appreciated. Another thing, the dealer said he wasnt sure if that would fix my buttons and light on the steering wheel, but he said he thought it would. WTH? $600 for thinking it might work??? lol

 

[Vinniety]

I posted this in the Tech forum but have not gotten any answer and was just wondering if anyone in here might know.

Chris I replaced my brothers on his 2004 suburban last week it's not bad. The electronic control steering is the controls on the steering wheel, do you have that? If not your lucky 60-80 dollars for the unit and only a few wires to unplug. If you do have it more expensive and way more wires. If you do have it the electronic controls call Tommy he is a forum member he is the person I got my brothers great person to deal with. Good luck.

Edit: i wrote the above info from my iphone and i apologize i didn't read where you wrote that you do have the controls on your steering wheel and they don't work. The only thing i can say is do a google search on how to remove airbag and steering wheel. I found some great tips especially on airbag removal from youtube. Also dont forget FIRST thing disconnect battery and wait 15-20 minutes. They say the airbag holds some charge even after battery is disconnected. If you have some idea on removing interior panels and have access to some tools your good. Not sure where you live but if your close to westchester county New York i will give you some help if you need it.

Video for airbag removal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_QBthAHIwM