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This is the first time I rebuilt a steering column. Its a little daunting at first but I'm sure the next one would be quite easier. Its a tilt/telescoping column and I tore it completely apart and replaced the bearings, ignition key lock and sector gear and a few other things. I cleaned and painted everything and then installed a new steering wheel because I don't care for the "school bus" wheel it originally came with, although I am keeping it for originality purposes. Anyways, here are the results:
That looks awesome. I need to do that to mine. I need to change the color from saddle to black. Was it very difficult? What would I need to look out for when doing mine? Thanks.
Just pay real close attention while taking it apart, maybe even take pictures. There are videos on youtube which will help also. I had some difficulty with the spring on the tilt mechanism which is quite stiff.
You need a puller to take off the hub and a compression tool to remove the snap ring that retains the locking plate. Since I didn't have the compression tool, I used a 1/2" piece of plywood, drilled a hole large enough to go over the shaft and placed two pieces of wood under that and put the shaft nut on top of the plywood. When I tightened the nut, the plywood pressed on the two pieces underneath which compressed the locking plate and I was then able to remove the snap ring. This may sound confusing but it really isn't. You have to cut the two pieces to exact size which required a couple trips to the miter saw. Do you have a tilt wheel? If so, you have to pull the pins on the side. If you look at the special removal tool for these, you can figure out how to make your own tool using a screw and a socket. If you still have any questions, shoot me a pm.
Mike.
Looks great! Very nice job. I have this project coming up soon, but can't find the parts I need. ('77 - one year only column). Hope mine turns out this nice!
You need a puller to take off the hub and a compression tool to remove the snap ring that retains the locking plate. Since I didn't have the compression tool, I used a 1/2" piece of plywood, drilled a hole large enough to go over the shaft and placed two pieces of wood under that and put the shaft nut on top of the plywood. When I tightened the nut, the plywood pressed on the two pieces underneath which compressed the locking plate and I was then able to remove the snap ring. This may sound confusing but it really isn't. You have to cut the two pieces to exact size which required a couple trips to the miter saw. Do you have a tilt wheel? If so, you have to pull the pins on the side. If you look at the special removal tool for these, you can figure out how to make your own tool using a screw and a socket. If you still have any questions, shoot me a pm.
Mike.
Thanks, the article i read just listed the tools by the GM number. I've already got the tools you mentioned.
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Rebuilt steering column
