Any tips on removing a steering column?
The column is not difficult – except for the underhood part. Especially if there is no key for ignition lock.
Two large flat screwdrivers working together help on popping the shifter linkage from column lever. It is easier to do this first, when working under hood. I have removed the column before with the shifter rod still attached to column (ie: disconnected from transmission Z-bar) – but it makes column removal, once free, a bit more difficult.
I don’t remember the size roll pin – but I think it is ¼”, at the steering gear coupler.
What I have done is made a (self-made tool) using a broken wooden hammer handle and a long piece of round (again – I think ¼” diameter – but might be wrong) steel stock. I drilled a hole into about a 4 piece long of hammer handle and tapped the round steel stock through it - so it almost makes an “L”. I hold the wooden handle with one hand and tap on metal rod with hammer. Once pin starts moving, I can hold shaft still with my tool.
I’ll try to take a picture of it, when I get home tonight (if I remember . . .).
If you are good at it, you can keep the roll pin end remaining in the coupler – instead of it popping out (and losing it).
Be sure to save the pin (can’t get those from Chrysler, anymore). Once pin is out, and steering column is unbolted (and un plugged) from upper dash and the three bolts on floorboard (all are quick removal with an electric drill) –then pull gently outwards on column (but no too far or hard). The steering wheel should now rest on the car seat.
Get a BIG flat screwdriver or crow bar and gently pry between the steering gear and its coupler (you just removed the roll pin from). It will resist a bit, but it will start to pull back. Once off, then remove the entire column from the car.
Sometimes I have to unbolt/unplug the column from car, to rotate the assembly enough - to get to the roll pin (if no key to lock cylinder).
A person can also unbolt the column from the rubber disk – but I have found those bolts are hard to reach and you are at a bad mechanical advantage to loosen them when you can reach the bolts. Possible – but difficult.
BudW