Steering Column - How do you remove the shaft lock?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Steering Column - How do you remove the shaft lock?
Trying to change my ignition cylinder... I have taken the steering wheel and hub off. Then there is a little cover held on by 3 screws. I've taken that off. Now my problem is removing that shaft lock. My manual says I need tool J23653 and J23653-4... Is there another way to remove the shaft lock or where can I find these tools?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
While i dont know the thread size on the gm column that appears to be the correct tool. Jim Shea recently wrote that if you have a non-tilt column and strong thumbs you can press down on tbe plate and have a helper pull out the clip, eliminating the need for the tool.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Western Loudoun County VA
The autozone tool linked is the exact one I bought this week for my '69 and it worked great. Do keep in mind that the note in Jim's paper about needing a set screw for T/T columns due to interference with the star screw was accurate in my case. With the star screw on, I was not able to use the tool but you still need something in there to lock the telescope action. A 1/2 inch set screw with allen head did the trick fine.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Maybe I am missing something here... I have a non tilt in my '73.
edit: I borrowed that tool earlier.. and did not understand what i needed to do.. Now I feel dumb as it seems quite simple.
edit: I borrowed that tool earlier.. and did not understand what i needed to do.. Now I feel dumb as it seems quite simple.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have that tool but use it a little differently. I use it on non T&T and T&T columns. I just use the horseshoe part. I ditch the threaded part. Just take the horseshoe part and push real hard down. You will compress the spring underneath far enough to remove the C clip. This is a lot faster to do it this way. It helps to have a helper, as you push they remove or install the c clip but it is not needed. I just replaced the ignition lock on the 82 I am working on yesterday. It took me about 10 minutes once I had the steering wheel off. Plus the previous owner had installed the hub upside down the the wheel was 180 out. Fixed that while I was in there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
On a standard (non-adjustable) column the locking plate is right up in line with the turn signal switch housing. So a second person can get their thumbs on the plate and can depress it against the spring.
With the T&T column the locking plate is several inches down inside the turn signal switch housing. It is very difficult to get your fingers down inside the housing to depress the plate. The tool is very useful in this case.
Jim
With the T&T column the locking plate is several inches down inside the turn signal switch housing. It is very difficult to get your fingers down inside the housing to depress the plate. The tool is very useful in this case.
Jim
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