Spun steering wheel without rack installed
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Spun steering wheel without rack installed
Hi guys, long story short, I spun the steering wheel without the steering rack in the car... Nothing to stop the wheel from going too far. I heard and felt some wires rip. Now airbag light is on( obviously ripped that wire) and active handling is not working. I don't care about the airbag, but I do care about the active handling. Can the steering position sensor wires get ripped by spinning wheel? I am not sure if the sensor is stationary. Hell of a job to replace, please let me know if it can be damaged by spinning steering wheel too far. If it doesn't spin with the steering column, then what could be causing this? Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
I learned from reading this forum that if I was to remove the rack (which I did to do the HB), you should lock down that steering wheel from moving before you start the job. If you dont, you risk damaging the steering wheel sensor.
I think you did just that.
I think you did just that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
You more than likely broke the clock spring which will have to be replaced. If you can find a new one fine otherwise you will have to reset the clock spring to center before the install. For the SWPS a Tech2 is the easiest method. If you have a 97-00 you can use a VOM to reset the SWPS (did it on my 00 and it worked till it croaked. IF you have a 01 or later I am not sure how to reset it without using a Tech2.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You damaged the CLOCK SPRING and need to remove the steering wheel and air bag to replace it. Not an easy job but doable.
As stated, you also need to re-zero the SWPS either using the GM TECH2 or get a DC Voltmeter and get the sensor the read the proper zero (NULL) voltage approx. 2.4 VDC.
As stated, you also need to re-zero the SWPS either using the GM TECH2 or get a DC Voltmeter and get the sensor the read the proper zero (NULL) voltage approx. 2.4 VDC.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 161
Likes: 14
BTDT but I did not break the clock spring. You are going to want to get that steering center voltage correct before you replace it. If you search my threads on my harmonic balancer install.you will get a lot of info. One thing I neglected is to get all of the ABS wiring clear from the point below the steering wheel connection to the steering rack. Good luck and pm me if you need any help.
