Steering column replacement

yamaboosh · Post by **yamaboosh** » 07 Jan 2017, 15:41

Hello everyone,

About 3 months ago I bought my first Volvo, a 1995 850 GLT. Two days in, the the key wouldn't turn in the ignition at all, so I had the car towed to a shop. The mechanic kept it for three days, and came up with a solution which cost me $600.

The solution at the time was to drill the whole column out and to start the car with a screwdriver. While a good temporary measure, it's becoming more worrisome as I've been driving it for almost three months now and it is extremely easy to steal. The mechanic tells me that I'd need to replace the whole steering column, which would cost about $600, so I am researching ways to do it myself with parts off the internet (±$150 for the column).

So, the question is: has anyone here done a steering column replacement? Is it doable for a non-professional? Or should I just save some money and have the mechanic do it? Any advice is appreciated.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jan 2017, 07:52

I don't see why you would have to replace the column- most likely just the key tumbler (it's all a solid piece of aluminum)...it's like $250 at the dealer and with your model, the "keying" to your other keys from the VIN isn't going to break you. I can't believe he charged you $600 for what he did which was probably just remove the keying section of the tumbler. I have replaced the whole mechanism (tumbler) myself on my S70 a few years ago and posted pictures of it. Let me see if I can find that thread.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jan 2017, 07:57

A video by our resident, Robert.
In this video he doesn't remove the entire tumbler. what I suspect is that your mechanic just removed the other side (the section the key fits in) and then which would then allow you to insert a screw driver to turn the ignition switch- in other words, he removed the "pin" that gets inserted into the electrical portion when you insert your key.

Here is the long thread on the ignition tumbler removal and replacement (it's the same on 850's)...Maybe you were using the wrong terms- it's not the whole column replacement that you might need.
viewtopic.php?t=34472

Btw, these cars are not hard to steal if someone knows what they're doing... if the section for the screwdriver is not easily visible from an outside window, and knowing the age of your car, I might not worry about all of this- just my opinion.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jan 2017, 08:11

Read this too- could save you $$ if this is your issue (and your keyed tumbler section back in? Well, depending on how your mechanic "fixed" your ignition.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=67531

yamaboosh · Post by **yamaboosh** » 09 Jan 2017, 18:15

Thank you for your reply! I have here the document from the mechanic, here's what he did:

"Rear console, rear parts of steering column, drilled out lock cylinder, traced down broken upper column, drilled out steering lock, reassembled as needed. *notice steering column replacement est. $500-600"

I do recall him showing me the busted upper column with a piece broken off - that pin which you mentioned. (that'd be the reason why the steering wheel and the gear shift were locked dead (in case you ask, I did try the shift lock release button

))

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jan 2017, 08:14

Just lock your doors and buy a Club or put in a kill switch. It would be crazy to put in a new column.

Post by **cn90** » 10 Jan 2017, 08:33

I think the O.P. meant "new tumbler".
Nobody replaces the steering column during the life of the car, unheard of, unless it is 1 in a million cases.

O.P., did you look at the FREE Fix posted above?

yamaboosh · Post by **yamaboosh** » 10 Jan 2017, 20:31

cn90, yes I did, but remember, I don't have the tumbler now. I'll still have to get a new one, supposedly, to use a key properly.

I will take some pictures of what's there and show y'all.

Post by **cn90** » 10 Jan 2017, 20:44

Post some photos...

This whole thing could have been very very easy by removing the bottom plate and done with.

Post by **rspi** » 10 Jan 2017, 21:17

I'll try to make a good video Thursday. I'm taking an 850 apart. I'll pull the ignition.