S10 spark plugs

[markshuman]

I'd like to know how you're supposed to change the middle spark plug on the driver's side. The dang steering wheel shaft runs right in front of it. Gotta love them design engineers,huh? Glad I found this forum, learned a good bit already. Any help is appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Thru the lt wheel well long extension and a flex plug socket.

[Gratiotguy]

I just went through this same exercise myself for the first time on my 4.3L Sonoma. After trying the socket and a few different universal connections/extension combinations I still wasn't able to get the plug out. It seemed like I could get the socket on, but couldn't get an extension onto the socket. So, with the front wheel already off, I tried moving the steering shaft. It was much easier and I did in far less time than it took me to figure out that I couldn't do it with a socket and universal joint.

There is a plastic boot where the shaft engages the steering box, just slide it up out of the way and take the one bolt out, then push the steering column up toward the steering wheel. The steering shaft will collapse into itself and be completely out of the way. A word of caution: don't turn the steering wheel without having the shaft connected.

I've read that some people can get to that spark plug with a socket, but they must have a different spark plug socket or other tools.

[Bads Crew]

I pushed up the plastic boot and then used a plug socket that has the hex head at the end. I than used a box end wrench to turn the socket. Once I broke it loose I just turned the socket with my fingers. Just make sure you don't cross thread it putting it back in.

[markshuman]

Originally Posted by Gratiotguy

I just went through this same exercise myself for the first time on my 4.3L Sonoma. After trying the socket and a few different universal connections/extension combinations I still wasn't able to get the plug out. It seemed like I could get the socket on, but couldn't get an extension onto the socket. So, with the front wheel already off, I tried moving the steering shaft. It was much easier and I did in far less time than it took me to figure out that I couldn't do it with a socket and universal joint.

There is a plastic boot where the shaft engages the steering box, just slide it up out of the way and take the one bolt out, then push the steering column up toward the steering wheel. The steering shaft will collapse into itself and be completely out of the way. A word of caution: don't turn the steering wheel without having the shaft connected.

I've read that some people can get to that spark plug with a socket, but they must have a different spark plug socket or other tools.

Thanks for the info. Got that dang plug changed. Just couldn't change the five & leave that one behind, you know? I didn't take the wheel off, just used a swivel on the socket,though it was still a mite tricky.Also found it MUCH easier when I removed the air filter box. The one thing that was really *%^#$$#ing me off was that plastic cover. It just wouldn't stay outta the damn way!If you look at it BEFORE you take it off, you'll see a seam running along the top of it. There's a couple of snap tabs holding it together along that seam, pop it apart & get it out of the way. It made sliding the column back on MUCH easier with it off too. Anyway, thanks a load for the tip! ANOTHER TIP: A mechanic told me of a way to get some slop out of your steering. On top of the steering box you'll see a locking nut surrounding an allen head type screw. Undo the locking nut and turn that screw clockwise ( maybe 1/8 -1/4 turn) to tighten the steering up. Just a little bit goes a long way! As the vehicle ages, the gears inside wear & this just takes up some of the slack due to the wear.Test drive. You'll know it's too tight if the steering feels hard or "sticky". I reduced the steering wheel play from 3" to about 1/2 inch.As far as I know, you have to remove the fan shroud to get to 'em, but this works good !!

[eti engineer]

pull the left front wheel and go up under the splash cover. Easy access. I even have an aftermarket ignition coil mounted in that area and I can still reach the plug easily. Works on the passenger side, too...