On a scale of one to ten, how hard is it to change a steering column on an 01 Cav? I have my interior apart, and will be putting on an aftermarket steering wheel. I figure now would be a good time to swap my column for one with tilt. Problem is looking in my Haynes manual i have found absolutely nothing on removal of the steering column..... can anyone give me a step by step, or offer some insight? Thanx
IDK for sure but I would imagine it would be just a couple bolts inside and then the linkage under the hood (which if I remember right, can be a pain). The only thing I would say you might need is a newer column cover because like IDK if you would have the cutouts in yours or not. O and then you prolly have to switch over your ignition cylinder and stuff.
Let somebody else chime in though too.
-Seth
Ive done it numerous times but im a mechanic so no biggie for me.
For a newbie I give it a 3/10
Its really not hard, just take your time and unbolt everything. The only thing im concerned about with a newbie is the airbag system. Dont mess with it if you dont know what your doing.
not hard at all
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
5-spd
there are two bolts under the dash that hold the column up....and 1 on this little swivel mini u joint and it just pulls right out i believe....its been a while but i did it and it came out fine
Like every one said above. It's very easy. 4 bolts under dash. then u can slide it out a little, unclip all the wires- should take no more then 30min to remove
If you have your interior out not too bad. I know where you can get a column with tilt. Also the Ecotec racks are a half a turn better.
FU Tuning
John Higgins wrote:If you have your interior out not too bad. I know where you can get a column with tilt. Also the Ecotec racks are a half a turn better.
wow i did not know that....is that better or worse ?
Freak04 wrote:John Higgins wrote:If you have your interior out not too bad. I know where you can get a column with tilt. Also the Ecotec racks are a half a turn better.
wow i did not know that....is that better or worse ?
Well a better turn ratio so better.
FU Tuning
Well thanks for the info, i plan to tackle it. one last question... does it have to be a 2000+ column, or will any column from 95 up work?
Thanx all
I'd be curious to know that as well. Or can a column from a 03-05 column be put in a 00 Cavi?
Also, Ignoring the warning about the airbag and deciding to do it anyways (pigheaded)....What advice do you have. I want to keep the stock wheel and preserve airbag function. Any tips or tricks or especially warnings? I read the FAQ about not using measuring equipment on the airbag. Is it not just plug and play?
Yea I really need to do this in my Sedan since it doesn't have it. If only I would remember that I need it when I'm at the yard. I guess to get the vin while I'm there to get a key cut to remove the ignition cylinder. Glad I worked/work at a dealership for another week... guess I really need to get that done before I leave.
bringing this back from the dead........but will a column from a 03-05 fit and wire up just as easily into a 99 i kno where i can get one and im considering it this weekend.
Splines are different for the steering wheel on the 03-05... other than that, they're pretty much all the same.
Yea, should work just fine.
I went from the stock 04 M/T W/O Tilt to using a 98 A/T W/ Tilt column.
Like John said, the steering wheel has different splines, but the steering shaft where it connects to the rack is identical.
John Higgins wrote:If you have your interior out not too bad. I know where you can get a column with tilt. Also the Ecotec racks are a half a turn better.
I did not know this. Something I should have done when the motor was out. I will be putting this on my list of mods though. Thanks for this info!
"Straight roads are for fast cars, turns are for fast drivers"-Colin McRae
Quote:
If you have your interior out not too bad. I know where you can get a column with tilt. Also the Ecotec racks are a half a turn better.
Care to elaborate? I thought the Z24 racks where 2.5 turn lock to lock, and EVERYTHING else was 3 turn. Though I have invested very little into this...
OEM Part #'s
26068964 - 2004 2.2 DOHC
26068964 - 2001 2.4 DOHC
26068964 - 2001 2.2 OHV
26068967 / 26058681 - 1998 2.4 DOHC
26068964 - 1998 2.2 OHV
#26068967 / 26058681 w/Ride And Handling (FE2) 2 1/2 turns.
#26068964 w/Active Susp(FE0) or Soft Ride Susp(FE1) 2 3/4 turns.
Thanks for the evidence, Teddy!
Maybe a bit off topic - but what about swapping the column from a different GM car? Something like a G5 / G6 or Cobalt? Same procedure or is the rack different?
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Road To Change wrote:Maybe a bit off topic - but what about swapping the column from a different GM car? Something like a G5 / G6 or Cobalt? Same procedure or is the rack different?
I would like to know this as well
Bump
I have a tilt column in my posession and Im looking to use it but can not figure out how to get the key lock cylinder out so I can use my key. I have read all the column swaps, but I havent seen where to swap out the key lock cylinders.
Thanks.
~2014 New Z under the knife, same heart different body~
______________________
WHITECAVY no more
2012 numbers - 4SPD AUTOMATIC!!
328 HP
306 TQ
There is a set screw holding the lock cylinder in
Really? WTF lol, ok ill have to check again. Thx.
~2014 New Z under the knife, same heart different body~
______________________
WHITECAVY no more
2012 numbers - 4SPD AUTOMATIC!!
328 HP
306 TQ
Ethan wrote:I'd be curious to know that as well. Or can a column from a 03-05 column be put in a 00 Cavi?
Also, Ignoring the warning about the airbag and deciding to do it anyways (pigheaded)....What advice do you have. I want to keep the stock wheel and preserve airbag function. Any tips or tricks or especially warnings? I read the FAQ about not using measuring equipment on the airbag. Is it not just plug and play?
I have a 2001 cavalier and the only safety precautions that are listed are to remove the airbag fuse and unbolt your battery. Though I have never removed the fuse from the fuse panel and I've removed my air bags multiple times while doing my dash swap. No air bag deployments. lol
WHITECAVY wrote:Bump
I have a tilt column in my possession and I'm looking to use it but can not figure out how to get the key lock cylinder out so I can use my key. I have read all the column swaps, but I havent seen where to swap out the key lock cylinders.
Thanks.
You need the key to the cylinder lock you are trying to get out. Put the key in, turn it one notch and on the bottom of the cylinder there is a "tab", for lack of better word, that you need to push in. Of course unplug the theft system wires and it should pull right out. Then your new one should slide right in.
Philly D wrote:There is a set screw holding the lock cylinder in
??? Can you elaborate further on this?
2001 Cav Sedan LS - Work In Progress - Sunalier Status
