Steering collumn stuff
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 1
From: Mass
Steering collumn stuff
Well I have been working on my car for the past 4 or 5 weekends to get it road worthy and I need to fix the directionals. Everything seems to be wired correctly and I think what I need to do now is make sure the switch is working correctly, but I am rather scared to take the collumn apart and out of the car. I am no mechanic by any standards, I like to work on my cars and for the most part I can fix basic things, but had a friend help me fix my brakes. Is this a job I should be doing by myself? I have the steering papers to take it out, but just wondering for those who have done it, is it difficult? I don't want my steering to all of a sudden not work on the highway as i'm driving since I didn't re-install it correctly. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
What I don't understand is why you have to remove the turn signal switch from your steering column in order to determine if it is working correctly. Please explain.
FYI, if you have a spare turn signal switch, you can unplug your original steering column switch at the harmonica connector from your vehicle wiring harness. Then just take the new switch and plug it into the vehicle harness and go through its functions (i.e. hazard, left and right turns, horn, etc.)
Jim
FYI, if you have a spare turn signal switch, you can unplug your original steering column switch at the harmonica connector from your vehicle wiring harness. Then just take the new switch and plug it into the vehicle harness and go through its functions (i.e. hazard, left and right turns, horn, etc.)
Jim
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 1
From: Mass
Well there is a wire, which i'm guessing the previous owner tried to snake through the column which i'm guessing was meant for the horn. So I think it's tangled in the switch and there is also a loose peice of metal in the column which I think may be from the turn signal switch. I haven't figured out how to take it apart yet. Hazards work. Originally the turn signal rod clicked when pushing down and upward but the turn signals didn't work. I don't have an extra turn signal switch but thanks for the info.
Last edited by EyeLuvCorvettes; May 8, 2007 at 11:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
You didn't mention if you had a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a T&T. They are similar but not exactly the same when it comes to disassembly and repair. I have complete instructions on replacing the turnsignal switch for both type steering columns available at www.corvettefaq.com
Click on the websight and go to Jim Shea Steering Articles
Click on Corvette Papers
Scroll down to either the standard column or the T&T sections
Download the three Papers and three Pics in the correct catagory.
If you have a T&T column, I would suggest conducting some of the quick tests that are outlined in Paper #1 before starting to disassemble your steering column. You might want to go a little further than just replacing the turn signal switch.
There are only two special tools required for the procedure. You need a steering wheel hub puller and it is very helpful to have the lock plate compressor tool.
Jim
Click on the websight and go to Jim Shea Steering Articles
Click on Corvette Papers
Scroll down to either the standard column or the T&T sections
Download the three Papers and three Pics in the correct catagory.
If you have a T&T column, I would suggest conducting some of the quick tests that are outlined in Paper #1 before starting to disassemble your steering column. You might want to go a little further than just replacing the turn signal switch.
There are only two special tools required for the procedure. You need a steering wheel hub puller and it is very helpful to have the lock plate compressor tool.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Hi,
I live over in West Boxford. I've had my TT column apart a few times all the way down. I'd be happy to help you if you get in a jam.
There is nothing really hard about it -- I was completely freaked out before I did it too. Jim's papers are the key to success. Also, I kept the parts organized in order of removal to help re-assembly. You do need that tool to hold down the center section or a helper with extremely strong thumbs!
--Jack
I live over in West Boxford. I've had my TT column apart a few times all the way down. I'd be happy to help you if you get in a jam.
There is nothing really hard about it -- I was completely freaked out before I did it too. Jim's papers are the key to success. Also, I kept the parts organized in order of removal to help re-assembly. You do need that tool to hold down the center section or a helper with extremely strong thumbs!
--Jack
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 1
From: Mass
Thanks Jack for the offer. I am going to try to figure things out today and tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it's the switch that needs to be replaced. Do the hazard lights utilize the same flasher module as the turn signals?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
Just a little question from me : I had tried to pull a reservecolumn apart in the past and before i took the lock plate out, it seems like the little plastic thing sitting around the column and on top of the plate always breaks. Is there any way to get it out without breaking ?