Broken Cable on Steering Column
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Broken Cable on Steering Column
Ok, here's a question. On my steering column close to the firewall is an ear that moves up and down with a hole in the end. Attached through the hole is a loop of cable hanging that has the end of it broken off. The column is a T&T in a '72 base motor vert. Trans is the TH400. What is the function of this cable and if the other end of it was still there, where would it go? I have searched through the various vendors websites and don't seem to be able to locate a replacement part.
Thanks!
Todd
Thanks!
Todd
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Todd,
That cable is part of an antitheft system that locks the steering wheel and gear shift lever when the key is turned off. In fact, if that plate is rotated to one extreme (down, I think), you can't get the key out of ignition. The other end of the cable is attached to a fitting where the transmission lever goes into the transmission. On automatics, you have to have the shifter in Park to remove the key; for manuals, I believe that it had to be in reverse.
Over time, the cable either sticks or breaks, and you then can't get the key out, even with the transmission in the correct place. The quick solution is to cut the cable or disconnect the clevis and disable the system. This was what I had to do on the day I bought my car since the cable is stuck. If you don't care about the anti-theft part, you can just leave it disconnected. Fixing mine is on the to-do list, but pretty far down.
That cable is part of an antitheft system that locks the steering wheel and gear shift lever when the key is turned off. In fact, if that plate is rotated to one extreme (down, I think), you can't get the key out of ignition. The other end of the cable is attached to a fitting where the transmission lever goes into the transmission. On automatics, you have to have the shifter in Park to remove the key; for manuals, I believe that it had to be in reverse.
Over time, the cable either sticks or breaks, and you then can't get the key out, even with the transmission in the correct place. The quick solution is to cut the cable or disconnect the clevis and disable the system. This was what I had to do on the day I bought my car since the cable is stuck. If you don't care about the anti-theft part, you can just leave it disconnected. Fixing mine is on the to-do list, but pretty far down.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Jim Shea is the expert of experts for this topic--and others involving any steering issue or question. For even more information on the GM transmission shift interlock system see Jim Shea's post of Feb. 17,2005.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
i have a related question...
when i place shifter in reverse (4 speed) i get a fairly audible groan noise coming from the column, i’m guessing from the interlock lever.
can this be lubed, or is something out of adjustment? i just rebuilt my shifter and readjusted the rods.
when i place shifter in reverse (4 speed) i get a fairly audible groan noise coming from the column, i’m guessing from the interlock lever.
can this be lubed, or is something out of adjustment? i just rebuilt my shifter and readjusted the rods.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Turbo-Jet
i have a related question...
when i place shifter in reverse (4 speed) i get a fairly audible groan noise coming from the column, i’m guessing from the interlock lever.
can this be lubed, or is something out of adjustment? i just rebuilt my shifter and readjusted the rods.
when i place shifter in reverse (4 speed) i get a fairly audible groan noise coming from the column, i’m guessing from the interlock lever.
can this be lubed, or is something out of adjustment? i just rebuilt my shifter and readjusted the rods.
The interlock cable is right next to your LH exhaust. Hard to keep it lubed due to the heat and it probably is corroded. Pull the cable out. Give it a really good clean and soak as much of the cable with PBlaster then try and get some hi-temp grease on the cable (the cable won't come all the way out of its sheath). Should loosen up the cable a little and stop the groaning.
Pete
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Give one of the gus who sell second hand parts a call and try and get one in good condition. (Corvetteworx, Contemp Corvette, Bairs, Paragon etc)
There is a guy in the parts section parting out a 70 right now. Ask him if it available. Clean it and get as much hi-temp lube in the cable as you can before you install it. See post above.
Pete
There is a guy in the parts section parting out a 70 right now. Ask him if it available. Clean it and get as much hi-temp lube in the cable as you can before you install it. See post above.
Pete
