How to Remove the Steering Column in a Chevy Cavalier

Removing the steering column on your Chevy Cavalier is a simple process and should take you no more than an hour or two. In the past, the steering column on some Cavaliers developed a defect between the inner and outer tubing which resulted in a failure of the steering mechanism, requiring replacement of the shaft. The recall was for Chevy Cavalier models from 2001. If you feel you may have a defective steering column, or need to replace it for any other reason, you can remove the column yourself and save the cost of the labor in the process.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Open end wrench
• Fuse puller
• Screwdriver
• Steering wheel puller
• Socket wrench set

1. Detach the negative battery cable from the battery of your Chevy Cavalier and move the cable out of the way so that it does not come into contact with any metal parts.

2. Locate the fuse box underneath the dashboard, between the steering column and the driver's side door. Remove the 15-amp fuse that goes to the air bag and then find the yellow 2-way connector that is at the bottom of the steering column.

3. Unhook the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) plug from the side of the yellow 2-way connector. Unfasten the 2 screws with a screwdriver on the back side of the steering column that holds the air bag in place.

4. Pry the air bag cover down on the front of the steering wheel and unhook the electrical connector on the back of the air bag. Detach the horn wire next to the air bag connector by pulling it straight out.

5. Detach the nut on the top of the steering wheel with a socket wrench and use a steering wheel puller, which you can get at any local automotive supply center, to remove the steering wheel.

6. Undo the wiring cover on the underside of the steering column with a screwdriver and unhook the wiring harness inside the column. Locate the screws on the underside of the dashboard that connect the steering column to the dashboard and remove with a screwdriver.

7. Detach the steering column from the floor board with a screwdriver and pull the electrical wiring out of the bottom of the column and remove the tubing from the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid injury, always disconnect the air bag components before attempting to remove the steering column. See Step 1 and Step 2 for details.

Resources

• Chevy Used Parts Hot Line