Hi;
You will need two tools to disassemble your steering column enough to replace the turn signal switch. First, you will need a steering wheel puller. Sometimes the wheel will come off with a firm tug and sometimes not. I have one as I work on Chevys a lot and do get into the steering columns so the $20 or so was not a problem for me to spend on that tool.
The second tool you will need is an upper bearing spring compression tool. That tool is about $15 and is really necessary in order to take the clip out that holds the steering wheel lock plate in place against the upper bearing spring. I will be honest and tell you I have disassembled a column without the spring compressor, but I would rather not do it again.
The procedure is as follows.
Make sure your front wheels are straight. The steering wheel may be indexed or not to go on straight so this is important when you put the column back together.
Disconnect the battery.
Remove the cover over the center of the steering wheel. This has a wire on it and is your horn button. it is either held on with two screws from the back, or else simply snaps into place. Be careful not to break the wire when you remove it from the spade lug on the back of the center section.
Once the center cover is off, push and turn (to the left) the small round housing on the column end of the wire and it will come out of the socket it is like how a light bulb comes out of a socket.
Remove the clip on the steering shaft, and then the nut that is on the steering shaft. Using a puller remove the steering wheel.
Remove the plastic cover that covers the lock ring that your column lock engages with.
You should be looking at the sector plate with a spring holding tension underneath. Using the upper bearing spring compressor, compress the spring until you can get at the lock ring with a couple of small screw drivers or a combination of a small screwdriver and a dental pick. Remove the ring and then carefully ease the tension off of the tool compressing the upper bearing spring and sector plate assembly and when all is loose remove the tool, and the sector plate along with the plastic cam for the signal switch and the spring.
At this point you should be able to access the turn signal switch and lever assembly. Remember to remove the Emergency Flasher button before removing the turn signal switch.
Removing the switch also includes removing the wire harness from inside the column. Some columns are easy to pull the plug through and some are not depending on if the column is a tilt column, or not. In any event, take your time, and you will have to pull the metal lower dash panel below the steering column to gain access the wiring and harness connectors.
In order to route the wires, depending on how the original is routed, you may have to remove the support that holds the column to the dash.
When you are putting this all back together, make sure you do not pinch wires or have any where they can get chafed by the light switch relay rod and the ignition actuator.
The first time you do this you may take a while, but once you become familiar with how this all goes together it can be done in a half hour.
Take your time and if you are not sure, ask questions.
Please feel free to PM me if you need any further help.
