I may need to pull my steering wheel in order to investigate a problem with my turn signal switch (won't click off after a left turn).

According to my 1998 FSM, I need GM "J 38720 Side Screws" (for the puller?), and a "J 1859-03 Steering Wheel Ruler" (for purposes not described in the FSM ?!?).

So, do I really need these special tool(*), or will a rental puller from the local Autozone (or an E-Bay "universal") do the job?

If I do need the special tools, anyone got loaners?

EDIT: looking further into the manual, it seems I'll also need a "J 23653-SIR Lock Plate Compressor." Again, do I really need a special tool, or will an Autozone loaner (or E-Bay "universal") work?

EDIT2: I did find a thread talking about a similar problem to mine, but it didn't say what tools the guy used, what he found, or how (or if) he fixed it:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ht=turn+signal

The parts house puller should do you fine. I've used them with no problems. Just be careful to disarm the airbags properly and handle it with proper care.

I agree that the regular puller will work fine. There are some other things that will make your life a lot easier. There is a tool to compress the spring loaded lock plate. Once it is compressed, the clip is quite easy to remove, although spring pliers are handy. A budget auto parts store (like Princess Auto in Canada) will have these quite cheap and you will be surprised how often you will use them. I have a picture of the compresser tool, but I don't know how to attach it.

Welcome to BC, Phil.

Resize your photo to a width of 700 pixels, save it as a jpeg with a file size no larger than 250kb, then open a free account at http://www.photobucket.com Upload your pic, then copy the image link under the pic in Photobucket and paste it into your thread here. It should look like:

Resizing to 600 or 700 pixel width prevents folks having to scroll left and right to read threads containing wider images.

Thanks for the help. I will give it a try.



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I anted up the bucks for the plate compressor after trying to pull the snap ring off with a couple of screwdrivers and pliers, snap ring zinged outa the car at warp speed and landed on the front lawn, its still there, somewhere. :? The plate compressor tool was, I think, a Lisle brand and was under $15. Steering wheel puller was from OTC and kinda expensive but I justified it by the number of times I would need it. I know there are cheaper ones out there and if you don't want to add one to you collection, the loaners work fine. And watch out for those airbags, would be a real drag to hear the POP!!!

yeah be very careful with the whole sterring wheel assemble(airbags ect) also the ingition. I didnt put back the intgition right the first time put the whole thing together then had to take it back apart it sucked.