Steering problems on 99 4x4 Chevy?

Answer 1

= Steering Column & Steering Linkage

= Does your steering column look like someone tried to steal it? Is the lock assembly broken and need replaced? Sometimes replacing the column is the best (or least expensive) repair. I will show you how easily this is done on a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT. Difficulty: Moderately Easy == · Replacement column · Hand tools, sockets and wrenches Step1 Obtaining a replacement column can be a challenge, going to a salvage yard and finding one from the same year and model is an option. Most salvage yards have interchange manuals that will show which will interchange between years and models. Buy a column that has the keys with it or you will have to change the lock cylinder or pay a locksmith $50-75 to make one for you. I found mine on Ebay with keys for $35 + $40 shipping. It came complete with keys, switches, steering wheel and airbag. It was even the right color, ask all the question before you buy. Step2 Disconnect the battery, you don't want an airbag deploying in your face.

You could also save your wiring from burning up in case you pinch a wire during column removal. This really is a safety step. Step3 Remove upper and lower column retaining bolts, two at the top and two at the bottom. This is the point at which I disconnect all the wiring at the top and bottom of the column, some connectors can be a challenge to separate. Some switches may need to be removed and transferred to the replacement column, I had to change over my turn signal switch so I could have cruise control switches. There was also a steering angle switch of some sort at the bottom I had to change over. Step4 Remove the retaining bolt at the flex coupling at the bottom of the column, you will have to move an Accordion boot out of the way to access the bolt. You will have to completely remove it to pull out the shaft. Step5 Another view of removing the flex coupling bolt, this will have to be completely removed. Step6 Install your replacement column, torque all fasteners to specification. Connect all your wiring and assemble all the parts back together. Turn the key to the "on" position then reconnect the battery. This will make sure your airbag won't deploy in your face when you turn on the key, I have yet to see this happen but this is the safe way of doing things. · Make sure you get keys with your replacement column, this simplifies things. · If you have a security system such as the passlock system (mine did) then you will have an additional challenge of resetting the security system to read the new resistance in the new ignition cylinder, mine was having the key in the on position for about half an hour. · Watch for smoke or sparks, these are not a good sign and would indicate you may have damaged wiring. Disconnect the battery immediately if you see smoke! ____________________________________________________________ Steering Linkage

Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis 1989-1998 Idler Arm Remove the bolts and nuts holding the idler arm to the frame 1. Raise and safely support the vehicle. 2. Remove the cotter pin, nut and washer retaining the center link to the idler arm. Discard the cotter pin. 3. Remove the center link from the idler arm. 4. Remove the bolts and nuts holding the idler arm to the frame and remove the idler arm. To install: 5. Install the idler arm to the frame with the bolts and nuts. Tighten to 85-97 ft. lbs. (115-132 Nm). 6. Place the idler arm and front wheels in the straight-ahead position to maintain steering wheel alignment and prevent bushing damage. 7. Install the center link nut and washer and tighten to 43-47 ft. lbs. (59-63 Nm). Install a new cotter pin. If, after the nut has been torqued, the nut castellations and stud hole do not align for cotter pin installation, tighten the nut further until the cotter pin can be installed. Never back off the nut.8. Lower the vehicle.