To access the steering column of your 1989 Chevrolet K1500 truck, you need to remove the steering wheel and the turn signal switch. After you remove all of the components, you can easily rebuild the steering column provided you have the correct parts. Reassembling the steering column is a simple process, but it is time consuming. You should expect to spend at least an hour removing the steering wheel, turn signal switch and the steering column itself.
Turn the K1500's engine off and open the truck's hood. Using a socket wrench, remove the negative terminal cable of the battery.
Remove the two steering wheel screws behind the steering wheel with a Philips screwdriver to lift off the steering wheel cover.
Remove the cover and disconnect the horn-cap's electrical connector. Pull the horn-cap out of the steering wheel.
Use a socket wrench to uninstall the steering wheel bolt from the center of the steering wheel. With a steering wheel puller, remove the steering wheel from the steering column.
Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off the instrument panel trim cover. Insert a Philips screwdriver into the lock plate cover slot and pry off the cover. Remove the lock plate.
Uninstall the turn signal lever screw and remove the lever. Press in the hazard switch and unscrew it.
Uninstall the two switch retaining screws and pull the switch connector out of the steering column.
Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off the two steering column shrouds. Remove the column-to-dash mounting bolts and lower the steering column onto the driver's seat. At this point, you can make any changes or modifications to the steering column and simply reverse the removal procedure to rebuild it.
