Problem with my Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1995
3.1L V6
dash lights = no
Repair work done prior = Replaced oil pan gasket.
Did not disconnect the cinch bolt from the steering gear box.
GM tech = JK
question = Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1995.
Have replaced oil pan gasket. Followed all of the procedures except for disconnecting the
cinch bolt from the steering gear. The motor was raised a few inches in order to aide in
removing the oil pan.
Upon completion of the work and backing it out of the garage, the steering wheel suddenly
started freewheeling. I know this happened because we did not disconnect the cinch bolt,
my question is, what is likely the damaged part that will have to replaced? I have not taken
the boot off and inspected. Also, anything special that should be done as to avoid any
further surprises, airbags?
JK:
Probable intermediate steering shaft has become separated. The shaft is basically a slip
joint that has a pinch bolt on the steering rack stub shaft and on the lower steering column
shaft on the other end. It may just have come apart and needs to re-assembled. Basically a
lower and upper half to the shaft.
Remove the pinch bolt off the rack end, and then remove the pinch bolt from the lower part
of the column form under the dash. Then remove the intermediate steering shaft from the
car. Slide the 2 pieces back into each other, and re-install on the column and rack. Make
sure the steering wheel does not run, or you will break the airbag coil in the upper column.
3.1L V6
dash lights = no
Repair work done prior = Replaced oil pan gasket.
Did not disconnect the cinch bolt from the steering gear box.
GM tech = JK
question = Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1995.
Have replaced oil pan gasket. Followed all of the procedures except for disconnecting the
cinch bolt from the steering gear. The motor was raised a few inches in order to aide in
removing the oil pan.
Upon completion of the work and backing it out of the garage, the steering wheel suddenly
started freewheeling. I know this happened because we did not disconnect the cinch bolt,
my question is, what is likely the damaged part that will have to replaced? I have not taken
the boot off and inspected. Also, anything special that should be done as to avoid any
further surprises, airbags?
JK:
Probable intermediate steering shaft has become separated. The shaft is basically a slip
joint that has a pinch bolt on the steering rack stub shaft and on the lower steering column
shaft on the other end. It may just have come apart and needs to re-assembled. Basically a
lower and upper half to the shaft.
Remove the pinch bolt off the rack end, and then remove the pinch bolt from the lower part
of the column form under the dash. Then remove the intermediate steering shaft from the
car. Slide the 2 pieces back into each other, and re-install on the column and rack. Make
sure the steering wheel does not run, or you will break the airbag coil in the upper column.
