General Maintenance & Repairs - Broken Turn Signal Stalk

Ok I tried to search but couldnt find anything, here is my issue:

I just bought a 2002 Ws6, and the Turn signal stalk is broken, its like it needs a Viagra, it is just limp, and wont activate the turn signals. Has anyone else ran into this problem, if so how did you fix it?

Thanks
Kyle

Man I would be more interested in seeing if its possible to swap it out with one that isnt as "snappy," like one from a truck or suburban. I just feel like mine is going to snap off one of these days.

This thread has a really good sequence on how to take apart the column and get to your problem. (Although they are doing some changes.) Look at the last picture in the first post. It shows the turn signal spring mechanism. (the thing that clicks and provides resistance to the stalk) http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-electronics/1197859-how-install-steering-wheel-w-radio-controls.html

The good news - the related parts are inexpensive because they are shared with many other GM steering columns for decades. The bad news - its a little bit of a pain to get to the parts and a good bit of labor is involved. If you've never pulled a steering wheel before, you'll need special tools to pull the steering wheel and remove the lock plate.

I'll bet that one of three things has happened to you:
<most likely> - The plastic tabs that hold the spring mechanism in place have broken and the whole switch assembly (the white plastic parts) need to be replaced. (The parts for this are inexpensive.)
<probable> - The grease on the spring has worn off over the years, making things rub bad, which popped the spring off the switch assembly. If so, you can just re-lube all the rubbing plastic and metal parts with white lithium grease and put it all back together.
<less likely> - The metal parts broke and the whole switch assembly needs to be replaced.