HELP!! I went to start my car this morning, turned the key and it is too easy to turn. The car does nothing. It's like it is not turning what ever it is suppose to turn inside the steering columb. I was able to get the lock cylinder out and could turn the linkage inside that the cylinder turns. It turns very easy but is not engaging the starter. Is there something inside the columb (gears ect) that could have broke? I'm at a loss.

 

You didn't mention it, but I assume that you have a T&T steering column in a 1976 Corvette. (We really need this type of information.)

There is a small plastic gear that is turned by your lock cylinder. That gear engages a small die cast rack. The rack has a section that engages a rod that extends down under the dash to the ignition switch that is mounted on top of the column down there.

First of all, disconnect your battery. Then remove the plastic cover from under your steering column. Now, rotate your ignition key from ACCESSORY to the START position and determine if the rod connected to the ignition switch is moving. If it is not moving, your problem is up inside the steering column. (There has been a long standing problem with broken die cast racks.)

The die cast rack and the plastic sector are both available from various suppliers.

I have some fairly complete papers, pics, and blowup drawings on disassembly and repair of the Corvette C3 steering column. They are available at www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea Steering Articles
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the T&T Steering Column Section and download D&R Papers 1, 2, 3 as well as Pics 1, 2, 3 and the 1969 through 1976 Blowup drawing.

Jim

 

You can see the plastic gear and die cast rack Jim refers to in the picture.

 

That die-cast rack on mine broke under warranty! But never since...

 

I do appreciate the info guys. I'm not sure I will be able to tackle this project but I'm going to try. Can't start the car the way it is now. What amazes me is that it worked fine the day before and broke the next morning. I didn't feel anything break when I turned the key. It just turned super easy. Great documentions. Thanks again.

 

The die-cast rack is broke. This looks like a pain in the you know what to get to and replace. Especially with it being telescopic. I'm considering putting a remote start switch along with a accessory switch. Any suggestions??

 

Calling Jim Shea............

 

BTW, I am sure that you will find that when you disassemble your T&T column, you will come to a plastic piece called the C-clip Retainer. This part secures the C-clip that keeps the upper telescoping steering shaft from pulling right out of your steering column. Well this retainer not only secures the clip, it also isolates the horn grounding current. Without it, your horn will blow continuously. Almost every one of these retainers break into many small pieces when you try to remove it (no matter how carefully you try to do it!)

If you are in a hurry, you might as well purchase it in advance. It is available from GM dealers #7808385 or from the Zip Store http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...2750FE34B6EA7B or from other suppliers.

The rack can be purchased from Dr Rebuild:
69-82 Ignition Switch Actuator Toothed Rack Only 2187426

The rack is also available as part of a kit with upper bearings, sector, spring, etc. The kit is also available at the Zip Store.
http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...2750FE34B6EA7B

Good luck, additional help is only a posting away.
Jim

 

Jim, whats the trick to getting the pivot pins out? There are treaded holes in each one.

 

They are a light press fit. Make a puller like what is shown in the pictures (they show how to pull the dowel pin from engine block). Use a socket that fits over the largest diameter of the pin. Find a screw that matches the threads in the pin and run a nut up on the screw with a washer. Hold the screw so it won't turn, and rotate the nut (clockwise) and the pin will pull right out.

 

You need an 8-32 screw, a nut, washer, and a 1/2 inch or a 12mm socket to fit over the pivot pin. Pull them out just like the pictures of the stud being pulled out of the head.

Good luck,
Jim

 

Once again.....thanks. They are removed and I have the broken part out as well. I ordered a new rack kit and C clip retainer. Not as bad as I thought....thanks.

 

I don't know if you are using my disassembly and repair papers or not. I am always interested in people's opinions as to how my papers can be made clearer or more complete.
Having been a steering engineer for over 30 years before I retired in 2001, I sometimes don't describe things for non-engineers to clearly.
Jim

 

In response to your papers Jim let's just say I'm am back in business again. Hopefully that answers your question. Saying thanks does not do justice for you help. The best thing I like about having access to this forum is there are very talented guys like yourself that can help the inexperienced guys like me fix problems. Guys that know corvettes inside and out along with possible shortcuts/tricks. I will say I was a very concerned about removing the steering columb so I tried to do it with it installed and succeeded. I'm sure it's easier out of the car. For all others out there I recommend printing the documentation. Thanks again Jim.

 

Jim my vette members 82 c3 has a broken die cast rack, how can i get the car to start? The rod to the Ing. Swtch not moving. Car is 75 miles from home.Thanks, GE.