I know there is a special tool to do it, but can't find it ANYWHERE - the GM dealer doesn't carry it, the tool store says its a dealer only part. What other ways can I use to compress the spring? It seems to be a high tension string so using just strength doesn't seem to be enough.

I'm pretty sure you can go to any good auto parts store, i've seen them in Pep boys, and Napa auto parts.,,,good luck..jim

In a pinch it can be done without the tool, but you need really strong fingers
I've also done it with two people, one to push and the other to install the snap ring. I finally got the tool (Pep Boys) and life is now easy.

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Rod Schneider, Woodstock, Ga.
White 88 GT :)

In the "thank god no one had a camera handy" department, i've removed and replaced my lockplate several times using the heels of my feet and a VERY disturbing seating position in the drivers seat. Its highly doable, but as said above, most parts stores should either sell the tool (~10$) or loan/rent it out for free with deposit. "Lock plate compressor" is what its usually called.

[This message has been edited by Devotshka (edited 01-30-2002).]

I used an el-cheapo harmonic puller to do mine. You could go to harbor freight and pickup their lock-plate tool for $6.99. I don't know what the quality is, but for that price give it a try.

[This message has been edited by speed1 (edited 01-30-2002).]

I have done it MANY times, without much effort at all and only 1 tool. I take a bicycle spoke, and sharpen the tip on the grinder till its sharp as a needle, so be careful. I then push on one side of the plate by the split in the ring and shove the spoke behind the split, and pry it up and out and go around the plate applying pressure with my hand on the area im trying to get the ring out of, really easy. To put it back on is even easier. I just get a tube roughly the same size on the inside as the steering shaft, I put the plate on then slip the ring on as far as possible then use the tube to push it the rest of the way on till I hear a snap. Done.

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Matt D
1984 Indy Fiero (auto)
1985 2m4 4T60, DIS V6 3.1 to be turbocharged

You can buy a steering wheel lock plate tool from Lisle tools for $19.95 , I have one . Lislecorp.com

Ari/Adrift, You can buy the tool at Princess Auto for $10. It's basically a U-shaped tool with a threaded shaft though the center with red plastic handle. I'm sure there are Princess Auto's in Toronto.
Sandy

Prior to getting my tool I used both palms of my hands to push the lock ring down, when I got it where I wanted it I would HOLD it in place (hard!) with one hand and push the clip down with the free hand. The trick is to get the open end of the clip in the seat. Without the tool Time practice and patience are the ONLY way.

Just be careful when you're using the tool. If it fails, you don't want your face to be near it. I'm sure it doesn't happen all the time, but the tool can break, even if it's brand new.

Sandy - Crappy tire doesn't carry the tool
Everyone else - I'm locked inside today due to snow but I guess I'll be going out to Napa tomorrow to get that tool!
Ari

It's called a steering lock plate compressor tool. Almost all auto parts chains have them and will lend them out or rent them for like $5.

The steering wheel puller is a different tool

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88GT 5sp, in desperate need of an LT1
http://www.geocities.com/fiero88gt1/

I found a lock plate compressor tool at "Advance Auto Parts"(a cheap chain auto parts store) Cost me about $12 and worth every penny. It says it is for GM with airbag. IF you can't find one, compression(I did it that way twice) can be gotten with a piece of short pipe that just fits over the spline. If you have a piece of pipe(bout 3/4 ID) slightly too small it is perfect. Split it down the length with a hack saw and use it to push the lockplate and clip ring at the same time using the shaft nut as the force. Ring pops right in. You have to measure to make the split ring the right length, but the one I made is one inch long and was enough to use the nut to push all into place. The home made unit is good to push it back on but can't help you get it off like the bought tool. For $12, you have one for next time that saves you tons of time for removal and replacement of the ring.

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Bill Shenefelt

Well, what about the little lockring? For instance, I've had the saginaw column apart on my Jeep & Fiero several times & always put the old ring back on, but worry that ring might be weak, from expanding it when removing it. Should they be replaced with a new one or not?