Has anyone here replaced a clock spring on a 2008 & up Prix?

[guitarfish]

(The title should be 2008, not 2004...)

I have a 2008 Prix and I have to replace the clock spring (aka SRS coil). I have the GM service manual, it calls for removing the steering column from the car. It looks to be VERY complicated.

I was wondering if anyone's done this job and can give me some insight on it. The job on the models prior to 2008 is SO much easier, no messing with the steering column. I don't know why it's so much more involved on the later models.

Is it necessary to completely remove the steering column just to get the clock spring harness out & back in?

[gmtech1]

You are working on a 2008 right? You only have to remove the column trim covers, not the column. Not a overly difficult repair.

[guitarfish]

Yes, an '08. Starting with '08, the trim covers aren't readily removable like on '07 & down. According to the service manual, you have to remove the column upper & lower bolts before you can remove the trim covers. I'm hoping that it's not that way once I get in there, otherwise this is going to be a bit crazy. You've done one on an '08? I sleep a lot better tonight if I know I won't have to mess with the column!

[gmtech1]

You may have to lower the column to gain extra room, but even if you do, it's really not that big of a deal, just sounds complicated. You can leave the intermediate shaft connected and complete the repairs in the car. You have the manual. Just be careful and use your common sense. Use hand tools on upper column nuts, NOT air tools. Sometimes air tools will pull the studs out with the nut, not good.

[guitarfish]

Thank you so much for the insights. I'm feeling more confident about doing this job, hopefully this weekend.

[guitarfish]

Well, the job is done. Thank you for the helpful tips. Things that didn't need to be touched, despite what the GM service manual indicated:
-Upper steering column shaft
-Driver knee bolster

You were right, the trim covers just pop off the top of the column, and that's all the disassembly needed.

Once I had it all back together, I started it (with much trepidation, half expecting a face full of air bag). Took it for a ride around the block, and made sure to turn the wheel all the way left and all the way right. No air bag light so far. Time will tell.

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

One last thing - my steering wheel puller had bolts, but not the "lugs" which seem to be a new thing GM steering wheels need. In frustration, I put my hands on the steering wheel, and without much force, pulled it right off! Last thing I expected! Put it back together carefully, torqued it, etc. Good to go.

[gmtech1]

Glad to hear all went well. By the way, that's how I remove most of the steering wheels anyway. Just leave the nut for the steering wheel on a few threads so you don't destroy the clock spring when the wheel comes off!

[Tech II]

You guys must be animals, to yank those off......

The worst ones were the Grand Am's.....had a metal ring in the plastic steering wheel.....you would put the bolt-on puller on it, and the steering wheel would come off, but the ring would seperate from the steering wheel and stay on the shaft.....had to get a new steering wheel.....

[guitarfish]

I was talking to a friend last night, telling him the story. He reminded me I've been taking steroids for the last week for a bad case of poison ivy. We decided it must've been the steroids that gave me all the strength, lol!

That Grand Am sounds like a great design...wow.