I'm going to be replacing my ignition lock soon. I know I need to remove the steering wheel to do this.

I have a universal pulley puller brand new in the package. Can I use this to pull the wheel or do I need to rent a steering wheel puller at the store? Also does the wheel go back on like a pulley? get it in place them tighen the bolts and it gets tight, that's the only thing not covered

 

Yes you can probably use the universal puller and putting it back on it just pushes back on then bolt it back up.

 

Awesome, thanks!!

Soon, no more keys falling out while driving

 

what year/ model?

I have had 'em real easy, to impossible. My current puller was special made for ease of transport and boneyard use. After too many times the bolts tip over and bend, I improved it greatly with tubes that surround the puller bolts and provide VASTLY stiffer pull members. Takes a minute to install, but no fails. Use grade 8 or Socket Head Cap Screws for best results.

 

What car is this for? If it's your Alero you also need to disconnect the battery and leave the car sit for about 10 minutes. Under the center of the steering wheel airbag is a clockspring you also have to disconnect and remove. If you're replacing the ignition lock you need to index that clock spring and make sure it goes back in exactly the same orientation. Pretty much all steering wheels come off the same - so a universal puller should work just fine. They come with about 8 different bolts/thread sizes for most popular applications.

If it's for the Delta, you're ok with just using a universal puller to remove the wheel.

 

Yeah it's the Delta.

I did get NOS cruise control buttons for the Alero. The lights burnt out on one set a while ago and call me **** but it bothers the hell out of me. I know an airbag removal is in the future and I'm not looking forward to it

 

Delta will be a piece of cake.
Airbag on the Alero - NOT that hard to remove. IIRC the 4 bolts you undo on the back of the wheel hold it in place. Then lift and remove the air bag electrical connection. Just follow the safety precaution I mentioned about battery disconnect.

 

There should be a tic mark on the wheel and the shaft for alignment, so the wheel will be reinstalled "straight".

 

Well I replaced the lock on Saturday and ran into a problem.

retaining ring

I did not have that tool to remove and reinstall that ring. I did get it out with a pick tool (what a PIA) but currently the ring has not been replaced

I did drive the car today to and from work. Looking to try again tomorrow. I bought the tool and going to see if I can get it done. Wheel is offset too, but it has to come off anyway.

BTW< the new key feeling is awesome

 

If you work right with your fingertips and a couple of screwdrivers, you can do it without the tool.

- Eric

 

You can easily make a tool to compress the spring so you can work on that lock ring to save a few bucks. Here are a couple of pictures of one I made years ago and it works very well. Flat piece of aluminum was used with a few holes drilled for the shaft and to clear the horn button on some cars. Small holes were drilled and tapped for the screws. I just slide it onto the shaft, retain it with the steering wheel nut and then turn the screws inward to compress the spring. Now both hands are free to work on the lock ring.
Brian