steering column repair after theft

[emeraldtegan]

Hi everyone - new on the forum - need a bit of help, please.
the sad part about having a Caravan is the high theft rate.
mine was recently stolen, then recovered after being dumped.

these people broke off more than the ignition, they trashed
the whole column so the starter won't engage. the local shop
said the cheapest is to get a whole new column from a junkyard,
and reinstall it - have no idea idea if this is reasonable,
or how much work it is - it sounds involved.

anyone done something like this before? Or at least know
how I can get it started to get it home?

thanks, ET

[mmahamm]

If your insurance covers the repair, which it should, then why not go with new parts? "The cheapest" repair is undoubtedly more than your deductible.

[emeraldtegan]

Ah - should have said no insurance - its a 94. Only had liability on it.
Its also all we have right now.

[gas28man]

I believe this is a common repair, and actually is an easier job than it sounds like. I've never done one on a minivan, but on other cars, it's been my experience that there are one or two brackets holding the column to the dash/cowl, and a boot of some kind where the column goes through the floor/firewall, and finally a universal joint under the hood. You only have to unplug and replug some electrical connectors, which could well be the trickiest part of the whole job. Don't forget to unhook your battery first so you don't set off your air bag. That would get your attention.

The advice from your local shop might be right on.

Good luck and let us know what you do.

Rick

[bluer101]

The best thing is a new or used column. Have done plenty of them at my job. Very easly if you have alittle handman skills.