So last weekend I replaced the rack and pinion on the 2003 Silverado pick up. I was very careful not to turn the steering wheel while the rack was disconnected. I made sure the rack was centered when replacing. I replaced the rack and torqued the cinch pin on the column. Drove away just fine...... then 4 or 5 hours later the airbag light comes on. I have not had time to run the codes yet, but it appears IF the clockspring was damaged the airbag light would have come on within a very short time after starting the engine and not 4 or 5 hours later. Ideas? We even had the alignment re-done and it was not off too badly on the re align.

If the steering wheel was held in place the entire time the work was done, then its highly unlikely that is causing the light.

We can speculate all day long getting nothing done if we don't have codes to go by.

Ok, so I pulled the codes and indeed the clock spring is toast..... I made sure that the steering wheel would not move....then I thought I'd centered the rack.....it did not come on until it was taken in for an alignment check and as he put it on the alignment rack the light came on..... the only thing I can think is indeed the rack and pinion was one (1) rotation off from being "centered" and when the mechanic turned the wheel all the way on the alignment rack it popped......expensive lesson learned.