steering column down . . .will not start?????
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 1
From: Potomac Falls VA
Originally Posted by kb2fzq
What exactly does "not down" mean....errr...exactly?
My car has tilt/tele steering column. If I tilt it upwards at all towards the front window, the car will not start. Nothing, nada....
My assumption is it is a bad connection or something with the key/ignition system in the column. Still works so I have nt taken it apart to fix yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
I think that you have a broken die cast rack inside your T&T steering column. The rack slides inside the steering column head when you rotate your ignition key. A part of the rack engages a rod that moves the ignition switch down under the dash. A portion of the rack might be broken away such that it no longer engages the ignition switch rod when the column head is in the UP position. Placing the column head in the DOWN position, might allow an upbroken part of the rack to move the rod.
It is possible to disassemble your steering column and replace the rack with the column still in the car. I have found that it is far easier to perform this service operation with the column removed from the car.
Here is/are the part(s) that might need to be purchased.
Rack only (69-82) - GM dealers - 7827157
Rack only (69-82) - Dr. Rebuild - 2187426
Rack Kit (77-82) includes rack & rod - GM dealers 7844651
Rack Kit (69-72) includes rack & rod - Dr. Rebuild 2187442
Rack Kit (73-74) includes rack & rod - Dr. Rebuild 2187443
Rack & Rod Kit (69-76) includes rack & rod - Zip Products SC-433
Upper Column Bearing Kit (69-82) includes plastic sector, spring, rack, and bearings - Zip Products (Corvette Mall) SC-432
If you are going to take your steering column apart, you might as well purchase this part. It is extremely brittle after 30+ years. It holds the critical steering shaft c-clip in place and your horn will blow continuously if it is not present.
Retainer - GM dealers 7808385 or Zip Products SC-517
I have complete instructions (in three parts) as well as three sets of line drawing (called pics) that are posted in the Steering section at www.corvettefaq.com The job is somewhat complicated but my instructions are quite complete.
One last note - I typically try to purchase steering column parts through GM dealers because they are usually sourced by GM from Delphi Saginaw who originally made or purchased the parts.
Dr. Rebuild seems to have a supply of individual parts that I can't find any where else (including GM dealers).
Parts that I list from Zip Products can usually be purchased from a large number of other Corvette specialty suppliers. Zip Products has a sight located in the Corvette Mall on this Corvetteforum.
Jim
It is possible to disassemble your steering column and replace the rack with the column still in the car. I have found that it is far easier to perform this service operation with the column removed from the car.
Here is/are the part(s) that might need to be purchased.
Rack only (69-82) - GM dealers - 7827157
Rack only (69-82) - Dr. Rebuild - 2187426
Rack Kit (77-82) includes rack & rod - GM dealers 7844651
Rack Kit (69-72) includes rack & rod - Dr. Rebuild 2187442
Rack Kit (73-74) includes rack & rod - Dr. Rebuild 2187443
Rack & Rod Kit (69-76) includes rack & rod - Zip Products SC-433
Upper Column Bearing Kit (69-82) includes plastic sector, spring, rack, and bearings - Zip Products (Corvette Mall) SC-432
If you are going to take your steering column apart, you might as well purchase this part. It is extremely brittle after 30+ years. It holds the critical steering shaft c-clip in place and your horn will blow continuously if it is not present.
Retainer - GM dealers 7808385 or Zip Products SC-517
I have complete instructions (in three parts) as well as three sets of line drawing (called pics) that are posted in the Steering section at www.corvettefaq.com The job is somewhat complicated but my instructions are quite complete.
One last note - I typically try to purchase steering column parts through GM dealers because they are usually sourced by GM from Delphi Saginaw who originally made or purchased the parts.
Dr. Rebuild seems to have a supply of individual parts that I can't find any where else (including GM dealers).
Parts that I list from Zip Products can usually be purchased from a large number of other Corvette specialty suppliers. Zip Products has a sight located in the Corvette Mall on this Corvetteforum.
Jim
you will have to open it up to inspect and see what part is broken.....
