i took my 70's column apart and now im having trouble putting it back together. its a column shift non tilt.....

the trouble im having is that when the lock plate is put back on, it rubs up against where the locking pin comes out of. basically, my steering shaft is just too short. the only thing i can think of is that i put the washer in the wrong place.

there is a clip around the top of the steering shaft (about 2" below the threads) that keeps it from going too far into the column. where should this clip seat? right now it seats against a washer, but i have a feeling this washer should not be there. should this clip seat against the bearing? where should the washer go? i thought maybe under the spring, but from jim's diagrams i dont see one....

thanks tim


btw... this might all be a waste of time if i can find the funds for a new column...

Hopefully these drawings and the blowup may answer your questions.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/StdColumnACarDisassemblyPage1.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/StdClmnACarDisassemblyPage2Rev04MR03.doc


http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/StdColumnACarBlowUp.doc

JIML82

i think the washer is the thrust washer and it needs to be between the spring and the bearings. right now it is btwn the top shaft clip and the bottom of the bearing. does any of this make sense? thanks!!

i think the washer is the thrust washer and it needs to be between the spring and the bearings. right now it is btwn the top shaft clip and the bottom of the bearing. does any of this make sense? thanks!!

Yes, the washer goes first, then the spring, then the white horn thingy, then the lockplate an finally the clip. Don't forget the signal cam as well. I think I got it all... :thumbsup:

Refering to the blowup drawing. My apologies because it is not very clear.

First of all, there are two round wire rings that are exactly the same (#7 and #82). One is installed in the groove in the steering shaft that is about 2 inches below the steering wheel nut thread. That round wire ring #82 is in place when the steering shaft is pushed up from the engine end of the steering column jacket.

The upper column bearing #33 is permanently attached to the bearing housing #30. So when the steering shaft passes up through it, the round wire ring seats against the underside of the bearing.

Then you install the thrust washer #34. Then the spring #4. Make sure that the turn signal switch is in "neutral" and the hazard warning plunger is out. Then install the turn signal cancelling cam #5. Then the locking plate #6. Then the second round wire ring #7. Make sure that you install the locking plate in the correct orientation. The round wire should fit down into a recess in the plate.

I note that my Disassembly and Repair paper #1 does not really describe the above. I will update the paper.
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Here is a link to the updated D&R Paper #1

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/stdcolumndr_104de07.doc

Jim

thats it... thanks for all your help... those drawings are awesome!!