I was changing steering column to tilt steering column and the key switch broke.What happened is the rod that Goes to electric box on column either broke or came out of were it is supposed to go.The rod is connected to key switch mechanism. Has anyone had this problem.I have not taken apart a steering column and was wondering if there are any pictures in assembly manual or were would I find how to take it apart correctly.Any help would be appreciated. BDJ

Ok...you either broke the switch OR the rod came out of the ignition OR both. Which is it?

It is VERY unusual for that rod to come out of the ignition switch so maybe it is the key switch you are having problems with.

You can drop your steering column just far enough to get a look at the ignition switch. There is a hole in the switch that the rod engages. If the rod isn't in that hole then put it there. If it is in its hole and your key switch still fails to work correctly then let us know and we'll walk you thru changing out the key switch.

Here are three papers and three pics that explains how to disassemble the Tilt column.

When you rotate your ignition key, you rotate the lock cylinder which is attached to a small plastic gear inside the column. That gear engages a small die cast rack that slides forward and back. The rack is attached to a rod that reaches down to the ignition switch (down under the dash).

The die cast rack has a section that is right inline with the pivot pins that tilt the column head. Sometimes that thin rack section breaks.

First check to determine if the rod that reaches down to the ignition switch is moving when you rotate your ignition key. If the rod appears to be disengaged, which end is loose?

Here is the websight where my papers are located:
Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Articles
Click on A & F-Car Steering Papers
Scroll down toward the bottom of the list.
Click on and download the three Tilt Column Disassembly and Repair Papers and the three Tilt Column Disassembly & Repair Pics.

Jim

Thanks for response.First column is out of car.I did take it apart and the rod is no longer connected.Key switch will turn and I see the rack and plastic gear.They seem to be working.I did remove key switch to see if I could remove rack that holds rod.No luck.The way it looks to me it will all have to come apart.I will look at your web site for info.thanks BDJ

I recently did the tilt steering column in my 92 Suburban. All three of the bolts ( or was it 4?) were loose way down inside that mess. What a bitch to work on. That said...they're tight now. With loctite too. :)


Oh ya...taking those 2 pivot pins out...god what a barrel of laughs they are too! Ya have to make a tool for them. Thank the lord for "Home Depot".

The more I look at this project the more I think the car will not get tilt right now.I am going to see if any one I know has taken one apart and see if they can help Me this time.BDJ

The tilt pivots are easy to remove if you have the proper tool.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/tiltpivot.jpg
The tilt column shouldn't imtimidate anyone that has mechanical ability. It is just parts assembled in a specific order, no different than a transmission, engine or differential. Buy, rent or borrow the needed tools and take your time.
The rod is not removable from the rack without grinding off the swedged tab. I have never known of one that has broken either. There is a possiblity the hole in the rack has worn enough to allow the rod to fall out.

I think that is what happened.The rod fell out of ignition switch rack.I will pull apart next week. It sure will not do me any good the way it is so I quess It won't hurt to try.If nothing else will be a learning experiance.BDJ

The tilt pivots are easy to remove if you have the proper tool.

The tilt column shouldn't imtimidate anyone that has mechanical ability. It is just parts assembled in a specific order, no different than a transmission, engine or differential. Buy, rent or borrow the needed tools and take your time.
The rod is not removable from the rack without grinding off the swedged tab. I have never known of one that has broken either. There is a possiblity the hole in the rack has worn enough to allow the rod to fall out.


Yup, that tool would have been handy indeed.

I went to Home Depot and got some screws, washers and used a socket to pull the pins. I had to remove them three times in all to get the mess reassembled correctly.

There is nothing obvious about the reassembly of a tilt steering column. There are several parts in there that look good in several different orientations.

In my own inimitable style I just ripped the whole thing apart, fixed the problem and then fiddled with it till everything went back together correctly.

I have always maintained if I take it apart, bring it back to me a year from now in a box and I'll put it back together, part for part, correctly. It may take a practice run or two but I'll get it right. I have that kind of memory.

A digital camera can help jog the memory as well.
JIML82