Need some help removing steering col (pics)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 5
From: Roseville CA
Need some help removing steering col (pics)
I'm having trouble removing the column from my 71, or at least moving it far enough to replace the rag joint. The problem is with the interlock. I can't move it up far enough to fit through the firewall. Frankly, I don't even see how it can fit through the firewall. I can push the plate on the engine side (the one with the studs on it) down some, but the interlock still doesn't clear. I've read Jim Shea’s instructions and I've got the two bolts and two nuts off. And the turn signal wiring is disconnected. Is there some secret in doing this?
Pushing down on plate. I don't see a hole or slot for the interlock to fit through. And that's as far down as the plate will go, the studs through the firewall are stopping it. And the interlock doesn't rotate up any further.
Pushing down on plate. I don't see a hole or slot for the interlock to fit through. And that's as far down as the plate will go, the studs through the firewall are stopping it. And the interlock doesn't rotate up any further.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
There are 2 studs with nuts holding the plate in place. With the nuts off the plate (AIM calls it a bracket) can be pried off (sealer is probably holding it in place).
You'll then see the hole in the firewall for the lever to pass through.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
There are 2 studs with nuts holding the plate in place. With the nuts off the plate (AIM calls it a bracket) can be pried off (sealer is probably holding it in place).
You'll then see the hole in the firewall for the lever to pass through.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jun 5, 2011 at 06:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Push the steering column back to its original position. Pull the heavy plate with the interlock cable away from the dash. You will find a cutout in the dash panel for the steering column jacket and lever. Place the interlock lever in the full UP position. Now the steering column and lever should pass right up through the hole in the dash panel.
The following isn't the best picture. But when you pull plate M back from the dash the cutout for the steering column will become visible. The further cutout for the interlock lever is shown next to the washer P in the drawing.
Jim
The following isn't the best picture. But when you pull plate M back from the dash the cutout for the steering column will become visible. The further cutout for the interlock lever is shown next to the washer P in the drawing.
Jim
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 5
From: Roseville CA
It finally came out, but it was a struggle getting the plate off. Come to find out, the stud on the left is actually a carriage bolt and comes completely out. Had I pulled that bolt out first, the plate could have slid right down. Oh well, now I know.
Now that I have the column out, I'd like to clean it up some. The bearing looks OK. But the interlock lever movement is kind of tight and gummed up. I think it just needs some lube.
I took the retainer off, but it's not clear how these parts come apart. Does this collar come off the shaft?
Now that I have the column out, I'd like to clean it up some. The bearing looks OK. But the interlock lever movement is kind of tight and gummed up. I think it just needs some lube.
I took the retainer off, but it's not clear how these parts come apart. Does this collar come off the shaft?
