How do I remove the dust cover?

 

Been a while, but isn't there a small snap ring in the center that needs to be removed?

 

Read this thread first. It should answer all of your questions. It is a very good guide.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-steering.html

 

That slot is a clip around the outside. Stick a flat blade screw driver in there and carefully pry out while pulling toward you. There should be a few more clips around the outside like that

 

The part he is asking about isn't there, lol

 

You're right. I was thinking he was referring to the lock plate piece that sits behind it.

 

I hadn't actually looked at the link until after I posted. It's just funny that it starts right after removing the dust cover

 

A different website covered the GM dust cover. It didn't come off as advertised, and yes, I broke it. I had to source a replacement part from ebay. The dust cover has been discontinued. I also had to order a pair of special pliers to remove the snap ring. It ain't coming off without a struggle either. What a pain this is becoming.

 

That snap ring can be difficult if you don't have a pair of snap ring pliers. If you do, then its a snap. Take your time. The steering column can be a pain, but it is doable.

 

Ah, the snap ring. I ordered 2 special pliers. Both didn’t work. I haven’t been here in a looong time. I’m at that point, though. I’m at the “who the <censored> designed this <censored>Ing thing and what the <censored> were you thinking!!!!” point. Grrrrr!!!!!

 

If you are at that point, put the pliers down - slowly - back away..... Steering columns can be very frustrating, but they are finicky and the parts can be fragile. That's when it gets expensive. Figure out exactly what you're gonna do first, THEN proceed slowly. There are guys who have done it before, and once you do it a time or two it really is straight forward. Find one of those guys..... It will be worth it in the long run, especially if you can watch over a shoulder.

 

You are so right. I ordered snap ring pliers earlier this week. It arrived today, but it was too big to fit in the ring gap. Hence, my rant. An hour later, I got an idea. What if I used a dremel to grind down pliers meant for retaining rings (the ones with holes for grasping)? So I did, and I finally had what I needed. A pair of tweezers that open when the handles are pushed together. It shouldn’t have come to this. But, it worked. The evil ring is off. I shall proceed tomorrow.


The pliers that were too big:


The retaining ring pliers



The retaining ring pliers with different inserts that I shaved with a dremel:



Stupid snap ring!!

 

The snap ring pliers I had came with different sets of pins that were removable. That was a big help. Either way, congrats. You too your time and made it happen without breaking anything.

 

There's an outfit in so cal, can't remember name but u can buy a new snap ring for under$10 bucks

 

The problem is that is NOT a snap ring. It is some sort of retaining ring and the ends are not amenable to using a tool to try to open it to remove. I have always had better lock with a couple picks to get behind it, then a small screw driver underneath it to start it up the shaft.