lancer013

Does anyone know how to change the lever mines broke

DUB

The only way I have found to get these out is to disassemble the column and use a small rod to poke it out from the other side of your pivot.

I have about a 2 in 10 chance of getting them out without doing what I just mentioned. I spend about 2 minutes on it and If I do not get it out..I start to take the column apart.

DUB

lancer013

What is process on removing couldnt really find a good way in manual

bazza77

for a very technical description

its held in there kinda like a light bulb as in tiny "*****" on the side ,which goes into a slot in the switch unit.


IF that was my car I would try a dremel tiny cut off wheel and try to put a slot in the end of that rod and use a small flat screw driver to turn while gently pushing in . BUT being careful not to damage the holder unit as they don't make them anymore.

if It didn't work then I would go the dismantle way as DUB says .

PS google images is your friend , google "1980 corvette indicator stalk " and see pics of it so you know what's in there

DUB

Putting a slot in it may work to turn it ....but the major problem is getting it out. They are in there pretty good..With this one looking flush with the black plastic..I would begin to dismantle the column. But what do I know. Anything is possible.

I have even thought of drilling small hole in it and either using an 'easy out' for even tapping it with a tap and putting a bolt in it...but by the time I did all that....I could have the column apart.

DUB

bazza77

I was going to mention an easy out , but drilling the with out centre punching is kinda scary ,especially where it is .

Antz81

I have been able to do it the drill and tap way, but if you're not confident in using a drill there then you'll need to dismantle the column.

DUB

Good to know...but I have had some where the shaft broke is where the machined recess in the shaft is made....so trying to drill into a piece of metal that is lucky if it is 1/8"...and wobbling around...I choose to take the column apart.

And the broken ones I am referring to..is not like what is shown in this thread...but rather the break is down inside the pivot....and even trying to grab onto the small shaft of metal with pair of small needle nose pliers is useless.

DUB

Jim Shea

The following link will take you to a sketch and two pages of dialogue on removing a broken stub from the dimmer pivot on a 1977 thru 1982 Corvette steering column.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=931

Hope that this helps,

Jim

DUB

Thanks Jim,

I am going to make the second one and try it out tomorrow. I have a few columns I can test it on.

DUB

pauldana

Jim... Do I remember correctly, do you rebuild steering wheel columns? if so, what do you charge?? I would like mine tightened up..

cam68

Use a 1/8 drill bit, drill a pilot hole in broken piece that is stuck in the column. Using a sheetrock screw about 1 1/2" long or longer, screw it into the hole as far as possible. Now use a pair of locking pliers, grabbing the head of the screw and pulling the broken piece straight out. Done it twice over the years. Worked for me!

Staylor63

Huge thanks to you Jim!!!
Saw your paper and followed the steps....mine came out on the first step, drilling a pilot hole and using a drywall screw and then pulling straight out!!
I was so happy! Since finding a replacement lever is like locating Bigfoot, I just tooled my broken lever end to look like the old one.
Viola! it popped right in!

Again...BIG thanks to you!

Steve