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Followup To
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I have a 1990 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible and the steering column is the problem. When you turn the wheel it makes crunching noises like something is breaking, the horn beeps and the air bag light comes on. I assume something down in the column let go and is causing the problem but how do I get down to whatever it is with the airbag there and any ideas what it might be?
Answer -
Hi,
Sounds like it needs a new airbag clockspring. Was a common complaint after time in thos years.
Thanks for the quick response! Is removing the airbag (and the clock spring) a real pain or is there an easy way to get that changed? Is there somewhere I can look and get the instructions. Obviously if i could afford a shop to do it I wouldn't be driving this...
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Is the steering column round or square?
Sorry it took so long --- car was 30 miles away. The top of the column behind the steering wheeel is square. This includes the part where the key is insert. The steering wheel also has the cruise controls on it. . Of course the rest of the column after it enters the dashboard area is round.
AnswerThe reason I asked the shape of the steering column that is about the year they quit using the GM Saginaw and went to the Chrysler Accustar.
Disconnect battery and isolate ground. Make sure wheels are facing straight ahead with steering wheel in horizontal position.
remove venting from under dash. Remove hush panel (Insulation panel under dash) and dash plate under steering wheel. Remove bolts holding air bag to steering wheel. They are behind the steering wheel. Disconnect yellow air bag wire under dash. You will see the connector and this harness will stand out to you. Remove 7/8 heaf steering wheel nut. Rent a puller from a local parts store and remove whell. The bolts you with need for the steering wheel puller are 3/8 x 16 coarse thread.
Once steering wheel is off you will see clock spring. I believe there are three screws that attach it to the steering column. Pull up on clockspring and cut the wires. Attach wires by tining and taping to new clock spring harness. At this time take a piece of tape and put it across the front of the clockspring. You don't want it to rotate. Pull the harness through the steering column. Attach clockspring with screws. Reconnect yellow air bag wire. Make sure the clockspring harness is not pinched in the column. Install wheel. Pay attention to the line up marks. Wheel only fits one way. Reverse the procedure for putting it all back together. When you first start the car, make sure your face is not near the air bag. A/B light should cycle. By the way in case you thought something was screwed up with the locking of the steering wheel, it isn't. It only locks in the full upside down position. You may want to call Chrysler first to see if there was a recall for this problem. If so, you get it fixed for free.
