Hello everyone,

New member here so please pardon the newbness. My 2000 si was stolen and recovered. The steering column appears to be tweaked from the thieves breaking the ignition/steering lock. I've searched for solutions but it appears that the only way to fix is to replace the entire column. I've ordered a replacement but have no clue how to replace so I'll probably have to take it to a shop. How long should this take so I don't get tricked into paying extra hours? Thank you HondaTech community in advance.

--Psych...

 

Doesn't matter how long it should take. A shop is going to charge you whatever the book says for labor. So if the book says 2 hours and they only take 30 minutes they're going to charge you two hours.

 

Thanks. I understand that. I guess I was more asking what the book hours calls for.

 

If you're not going to be able to do it yourself you should just call around to different shops and get estimates.

 

Replacing the steering column is honestly pretty simple.

There's a bolt that holds the column in at the knuckle at the firewall (make sure this bolt goes through the same direction it's currently installed or you might experience shakey steering).

The biggest issue will probably be pulling the wheel off. Sometimes they seem to stick and it can be a little tough that first time. A puller shouldn't be needed though. The airbag could also discharge in your face, though we've never had that issue and there are precautions you can take for that.

So in short it's:
- Remove airbag
- Remove wheel
- Remove column shroud
- Unplug everything
- Unbolt the upper bolts on the column
- Unbolt the lower knuckle bolt

Then the whole thing should come out.

I had to do this same thing for my 1998 Civic EX when it got stolen.
It's going to depend at least on the year, make, model and possibly the trim or options even of the vehicle.

The only thing I could think of is that someone here would have to look in the book or call a shop and ask them. You could ask your shop what the hours are estimated for that job. It's not some big secret.

http://www.labortimes.com/

Chiltons and JC Whitney also sells labor guides, but they look pretty spendy for all of them. Your book could always vary from their book too.

Trust me. Just ask the shop(s).