Removing complete steering column how to?

[ocjmakaveli]

Can someone please tell me what i need to do to remove the steering column from a 91 buick lesabre?

my car recently got stolen and the column was busted so i want to replace the whole column from a junkyard for the quickest fix but I'm not sure how to unbolt the column.

[spinne1]

Generally speaking, this is not a job for a weekend warrior. There is too much chance to screw it up. You have to remove the shaft from the steering system which is a pain, and then get it all lined up right after......NOT WORTH THE MONEY SAVINGS. Either junk the car, or let your insurance cover the damage, or pay a mechanic to do it (probably will cost close to the value of the car, so........)

[pirho451]

I beg to differ. Removing the steering column isn't all that hard. The column should bolt to an intermediate shaft right at the firewall. You can disconnect that there without having to go into the rack & pinion. Since yours is a '91 there's no worries about the airbag or VATS system. Just make sure you get a column that has a key! Since I haven't looked at a Lesabre of that vintage recently, I'll give you the basics:
1. Remove all trim that might be covering the lower part of the steering column.
2. Disconnect all wiring harnesses from the column. There's going to be three or four, depending on whether or not you have cruise control.
3. Remove any bolts or nuts that hold the column to the instrument panel.
4. Disconnect the transmission shifter linkage. On the Lesabre, I don't remember whether it's bolted or snapped in place.
5. Disconnect the bottom of the steering column from the firewall.

Obviously this is fairly generic, as it's been a while and I don't have my manual in front of me. Also, I think it goes without saying that you need to have your wheels pointing straight ahead while doing this (just makes it easier to line everything up.

The last time I did this it took me all morning on Saturday, but that also included me driving to the junkyard and pulling a replacement column myself. It's pretty easy on the earlier GM models.

Hope this helps,
Jonathan

[ocjmakaveli]

I actually have a haynes manual but its worthless but it covers so many models and so damn vague.I will never again buy a haynes manual.

i got an account with alldatadiy.com and it was the best thing ive ever done it has pics and good instructions.

i removed about 6 little screws the radio bezel the headlight bezel which is also the fuse panel then
i removed a total of 6 screws from underneath holding the column on there and last i removed one bolt that held the column shaft to the shaft that goes to the rack and pinion.I just moved the plastic cover and removed the bolt.

i also removed one bold for the wire box thing where all the wires are connected and last i snapped off the gear cable.

really easy about a 30 minute job i also removed the steering wheel in order to get to the lock cylinder but this is because im using the original key in case the junkyard doesnt have a key for the car.