Chris Posted August 29, 2006 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 Hey everyone, its been quite a while since i've had time to browse these forums... I actually came on tonight after seeing (and smelling) smoke rising from the steering column today. Did a search and found it was 'normal', but also thought I could post another question I had: Driving through Michigan in April, i noticed the steering seemed a little loose. Didn't notice it much in Canada (smooth roads), but lately have been noticing it at high speeds. I was planning on taking it into the shop this week, but thought I'd ask what you guys think might be the problem. Anyways, its now at ~145000 miles and going stong. Blew a brake line last month (luckily on a quiet country road), but otherwise running really well. Gas mileage in the low 20s on the highway, so no complaints there. Also had 2nd rad fan replaced and AC recharged at the beginning of summer, and so far, so good. Hopefully i'll be able to get back into lurking the forum again! Thanks! -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlamingGoatBalls Posted August 29, 2006 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 When you say smoke coming from the steering wheel I assume youre talking about little whisps of smoke. Most likely the turn signal switch. Its a pretty straight forward repair. The hardest part is trying to feed the wires fir the turn signal switch down the steering column. All you need is a steering wheel pulling tool. If you need more specific directions just ask. As for the loose steering its hard to say. It could be anumber of things, but if its anything like my 93 (also had smkking steering wheel) youre probably looking at a new rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted August 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 It could be anumber of things, but if its anything like my 93 (also had smkking steering wheel) youre probably looking at a new rack. Thanks for the feedback, I'll let ya know after I take it in. Do you remember what kind of $ a steering rack ran ya? Very much labour involved? The steering column smoke was just a couple whisps. Had me a little worried as I was in downtown Toronto with no place to park if something died on me. Luckily, everything worked perfectly, just had to roll down the windows for a few minutes. As long as it doesn't happen again, I'm not going to worry about it. -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epricedright Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 When you say smoke coming from the steering wheel I assume youre talking about little whisps of smoke. Most likely the turn signal switch. Its a pretty straight forward repair. The hardest part is trying to feed the wires fir the turn signal switch down the steering column. All you need is a steering wheel pulling tool. If you need more specific directions just ask. As for the loose steering its hard to say. It could be anumber of things, but if its anything like my 93 (also had smkking steering wheel) youre probably looking at a new rack. There's an airbag in the '93 steering wheel, correct? Is that a PITA to deal with? Btw, those racks are not cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrak Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Used racks are from $60 to $200, I had mine replaced on my 95 Chrysler Concorde for about $1100. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 There is a tensioner on the rack. It is factory preset, but you can try to turn it a little bit (some 60-120deg) and see if it helps. If it is screwed in all the way. you will hardly turn the steering wheel. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlamingGoatBalls Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Just make sure that your turn signals and lights are working properly front and back. The racks (if thats what it turns out to be) can be ordered online usually cheaper than they are from the shop. The real expense is the labor. I cant remember what I paid for it exactly but it hurt a bit. I just remember saving quite a bit by ordering the rack online and having it installed. As far as the airbag goes, its not a problem if you are careful and follow instructions. It just unplugs and slides out more or less, but you are right about their expense. You really dont want to do anything stupid with it : P Here is the link to my thread about the job with some great info from everyone especially mac and logan. http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...n+signal+switch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted September 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 Hey guys, I had the STS in yesterday. The mechanic said he couldnt find anything wrong with it, and suspected i just needed an alignment. I'm taking it in on tuesday but am not convinced that that is the problem. If they were truely out of alignment, wouldnt the car pull to one side if I took my hands off the steering wheel while driving? With respect to the steering colunm smoke, as of last night the directional lights no longer work when the turn signal is on. I guess it is the turn signal switch on its way out. I'll have to deal with that later. -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted September 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Can anyone comment on the alignment? I'm taking it in for alignment tommorrow, but not very confident it will fix the problem. -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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