Disassembling a '77 Steering Column
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Gurley Alabama
Disassembling a '77 Steering Column
I need to replace both my stalk switches & part of my column covering is broken....has anybody disassembled one before?
I'm down to the plastic pieces that are arrached to a long wiring combo & my short shaft is out (it was wobblying - is that normal?).
I'm down to the plastic pieces that are arrached to a long wiring combo & my short shaft is out (it was wobblying - is that normal?).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: RTP NC
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
read Jim Sheas papers, seriously. I did my entire column and it was a saving grace. The wobbling comes from screws that are way deep in the assembly that have come loose. When you get to them it is best to put lock-tite on the threads. My column is reassembled, new bearings, plastic parts and various retainers--- works beautifully with no wobbles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
When you talk about a "short shaft" I assume you are talking about a T&T steering column. The 1977 T&T has a number of one-year-only parts. The plastic lock housing (also known as the turn signal housing) is still available from Steering Column Services, Doc Rebuild, and some other sources.
There are three T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers as well as three Disassembly Instruction Pics in that same section. Use the link above and click on Corvette Steering Papers. Then scroll down to the 1969-82 Tilt & Telescoping section.
It is really helpful if you become familiar with the papers and you learn some of the correct terminology in describing your steering column problems. Also posting a picture or two can save a whole lot of words and possible misinterpretation of your problem(s).
Jim
There are three T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers as well as three Disassembly Instruction Pics in that same section. Use the link above and click on Corvette Steering Papers. Then scroll down to the 1969-82 Tilt & Telescoping section.
It is really helpful if you become familiar with the papers and you learn some of the correct terminology in describing your steering column problems. Also posting a picture or two can save a whole lot of words and possible misinterpretation of your problem(s).
Jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Gurley Alabama
Thanks, Jim....yep, after beginning to read your papers, I realized I had not mentioned I have a T&T column ....I think that weird shaped piece of plastic with all the wires on it is my turn signal housing but I can't get it out because the wires run through the cover...next, I've gotta figure out how to get that huge cover with the square offset off si I can remove it.
I'm gonna copy & study those papers....thanks.
I'm gonna copy & study those papers....thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Yes that is the turn signal switch in the steering column. It can come out from the point at where you are at. Unplug the wiring from the lower part of the column and undo the 3 screws holding the plastic turn signal switch. Work the wires and switch up towards you. Once yo uget the plastic switch out of the column the wires will have to be worked up through the column. It is tricky and can take some wiggling and working of the wires and the end plug but it can be done.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Are you talking about the housing that the key is into? If so the turn signal switch does need to come out as does the key switch. This is easily taken out once the turn signal switch has been taken out. You will find 3 big phillips head screws that hold the housing in once the signal switch comes out.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Do you have the signal switch pulled up a little. You have to work the wiring harness up through the column carefully. It is tight but it will fit. The whole harness will slide up and out.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Gurley Alabama
Got that out & you're right about it being tricky...got my lock housing cover off....got the turn signal switch assy out....my steering column housing shroud was broken in half & barely holding in place - it fell apart...got the pivot & switch assy out - 1 wire is broken off at the connector.
I'll try to post a couple of photos shortly....
Somebody had tried to get into the column at some time in the past & I believe some parts of the horn assy are missing.
I'll try to post a couple of photos shortly....
Somebody had tried to get into the column at some time in the past & I believe some parts of the horn assy are missing.
Last edited by autoist; Jan 16, 2010 at 05:19 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
The one I am rebuilding right now also had a broken housing. Someone had gotten in a with a screwdriver and pryed on the housing and broke it.
The turn signal switch is available if the wires are badly torn up.
The turn signal switch is available if the wires are badly torn up.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Gurley Alabama
Yeah, the turn signal switch seems okay.....but, on the other part of it, I can pop the stalk right in & out easily....it's as if there's nothing for the 2 little detent ***** to hold against.....& its the wiper/washer switch that has a wire broken right near the stalk.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
If you need to get that bottom piece off you are going to have to take off that top piece that is still on there. This involves a little more. But basicly there are two pins on the side. You will see they have threaded holes in them. Screw in the right size bolt and I take a pair of wire cutters and grab the threads and work out the pin. They usually come out with a little resistance. Take a lot of pictures if this is your first time before taking it out. This way you can refer back to them on reassembly. You have to deal with the tilt lock also. You also have to take out the heavy spring for the tilt. Should be a square holed plug. Insert a decent sized screw driver and depress it a little and turn. It will pop out. There is a decent amount of pressure so be careful.
