How to remove steering column cover?

[Rigger]

Advance apologies if this is covered somewhere. I did do a search and can't find it.

I want to remove the steering column cover. There is one screw on the bottom side of the cover. There are two more behind the steering wheel, that you have to rotate the wheel to access. I removed these three screws. But I cannot separate the two halves. Are there more screws? What are you guys doing to pull this thing apart?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

They snap together on the sides. That being said I gave up trying to separate them when I scratched them. I disassembled the gauge cluster to get it out instead.

If you figure it out, let us know.

Are you trying to remove the top or bottom?

 

[Anthony.L]

Yup, you got all the screws. The snaps on the side can be frustrating, but keep prying/pulling.

 

[Rigger]

Klaus: I opened those little "ports" on the side of the steering wheel; scratched one of them in the process. I'm hoping not to scratch these two clamshells.

Maybe someone who knows the trick will weigh in.

 

[DomSmith]

I remember tilting the column all the way up and squeezing the sides and pulling down? You can use the small plastic pry tools but careful not to twist at the seams as it will gouge pretty easily.


Edit: Looks like I put it down and removed the top piece first. There are a few pics here of what the clips look like.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/610648-diy-telescoping-column-motor-removal-repair.html

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

Here's what it looks like. Getting it back in position was a little tricky but no scratches. And it lets you get the gauge cluster out without taking it all apart and losing screws in the process.

 

[06LCTrekto500K]

So I took mine off while I was swapping out my steering wheel today. And I first took the three screws on the steering column cover off. At this point I had the steering wheel off so it made it easier. I also disconnected and pulled out the dimmer switch for the bottom of the panel piece to get that out of the way. Then I used a wide prybar and came at it from the seams that would be hidden by the wheel. It popped right apart and I was able to take them out! Reverse for installation.

I Took mine apart with the hope of tightening something on the steering column. My steering column moves ever so slightly when you push on the steering wheel. I couldn’t find anything to tighten to fix that. So I must just have some play in the gears on the column. I do have 262,000 miles and 13 years on it.
Oh well, new steering wheel looks awesome though!

 

[CloudCity]

My steering column moves ever so slightly when you push on the steering wheel. I couldn’t find anything to tighten to fix that. So I must just have some play in the gears on the column. I do have 262,000 miles and 13 years on it.
Oh well, new steering wheel looks awesome though!

Be sure you've had the steering column recall done if it affected your vehicle. I don't know what years/models but you can look it up online at recalls.gov to see for sure.