Remove Lock Cyl.

[1983EClass]

So I've had my car keys lost for afew months now.. and the steering wheels locked.
Does anyone have a rundown of getting to the lock cyl for replacement?

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

The first thing we need to know is if it is a standard steering column or a tilt column The tilt column has a lock plate that requires a special puller tool to remove. This is job where you really need the factory shop manual to follow. There are things you need to be aware of so you don't damage the steering column. For either column you will also need a steering wheel puller.

[K-CAR_WAGON]

Steering wheel pullers are pretty much universal. Here is a link with a lock-plate puller - if you have tilt steering.
http://www.toolsource.com/chrysler-stee ... 01047.html

The 83 shop manual calls for C-4156. The C-4156-2 may or may not work (This listing says 88 and up). Also, aftermarket tool makers like K-D carry this tool for a fraction of the original Miller tool price.

http://www.shopwiki.com/l/Kd-Tools-Stee ... te-Remover
http://www.shopwiki.com/l/steering-wheel-puller?sb=1

Here is a link to set of factory shop manuals. If you intend to keep the car any length of time, I strongly suggest that you buy a set. You can probably get a set even cheaper if you search for awhile.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-DODGE-CHRY ... 43a8c3f04a

[1983EClass]

It is tilt. and the column is trash someone has already been inside and not followed the rules.
other then all that is required to properly take off a wheel, theres no other 83' tilt quirks i should be wary of?

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

There is a fair amount of dis-assembly to get down to the ignition switch. You need to remove the horn switch pad assembly and pull the steering wheel. There are several diffent horn button assemblies so that's why I suggested a shop manual. Then you need to remove both the tilt column lock plate and turn signal switch, again you really need to reference the shop manual when removing the turn signal switch. No point breaking something, replacement parts can be difficult to find for those columns as K's were basic cars and tilt columns aren't all that common 25 years later. Getting the ignition switch cylinder out requires releasing two small lock tabs with small screw drivers and the pictures in the shop manual show how. It's the old saying a picture is worth a 1000 words. K Car Wagon has it right, if you own one of these cars the shop manual is your best tool when it comes to jobs like this.

[MyDodgeDip]

I'll say from experience that it's difficult to explain to someone over the internet how to tear the column down and also how to fix it once it's apart and something has gone wrong. A shop manual would be extremely helpful for you. Also, unless you have some mechanical knowledge/sense/experience, I would not try it. I've seen several people get them apart, Loose something or forget how it goes back together, then break something doing it wrong, get it half together and then not know whats wrong. It's very frustrating not being able to help them! Sometimes it's much easier to get a used column from a junkyard and swap the whole thing over.

If you are going to do it, it helps to get a camera, take pictures of each step, write notes about where small or odd parts go. Get a baking pan and line it with a couple of clean shop rags and lay the pieces out as you go so you don't loose anything and keep it all in order. Good Luck!

[Dodge Aries K]

I know this says GM... but... pretty much the same Saginaw column in their stuff as our's. I've used similar instructions before to fix the column in a Reliant wagon I used to have. Enjoy.

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/d/d6/Jazzman_Steering_Rack_Rebuild.pdf