Steering column assembly problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 113
Likes: 5
From: Dwingeloo Netherlands
Steering column assembly problem
As it was possible to remove the ignition key from the lock in any position, I wanted the lock replaced; ordered and got an ACDelco switch.
The Corvette shop manual was not of sufficient help, so got through this forum the papers from Jim Shea, which were much better.
I did however still have some problem getting the C clip out, which the compressor tool in place; the clip kept hanging up on the right hand side
[this is relevant to my current issue]
Anyhow, got the C clip out and replaced my ignition lock, and all went back together well, until the C clip had to be reinstalled.
At first, I kept pulling the "Upper shaft" 41 out with the compressor tool against the lock plate #3
Took it apart again to see where the problem was, tightened up the 5/16th stud, to lock the shaft firmly in place, but still I could not get the shaft 41 far enough through the lock plat to install the C clip; the groove for the clip did not get far enough through the lock plate hole
I then assembled everything without the preload spring#5, and without the upper bearing seat and race #9 and 10, but I still have the same problem: the groove in the shaft just does not get through the lockplate; and even if it did, then there would still be an interference between the C clip and the protrusions from the Horn contact carrier #4 which are above the level of the lock plate;
Hence Why does the shaft not get out far enough?
And as I detailed above: this was already an issue, in the "original" situation, as I had difficulties getting the clip out at disassembly
The 2 pictures attached illustrate the current status.
What's next?
Hopefully Jim Shea will also jump in?
thanks
Cor
The Corvette shop manual was not of sufficient help, so got through this forum the papers from Jim Shea, which were much better.
I did however still have some problem getting the C clip out, which the compressor tool in place; the clip kept hanging up on the right hand side
[this is relevant to my current issue]
Anyhow, got the C clip out and replaced my ignition lock, and all went back together well, until the C clip had to be reinstalled.
At first, I kept pulling the "Upper shaft" 41 out with the compressor tool against the lock plate #3
Took it apart again to see where the problem was, tightened up the 5/16th stud, to lock the shaft firmly in place, but still I could not get the shaft 41 far enough through the lock plat to install the C clip; the groove for the clip did not get far enough through the lock plate hole
I then assembled everything without the preload spring#5, and without the upper bearing seat and race #9 and 10, but I still have the same problem: the groove in the shaft just does not get through the lockplate; and even if it did, then there would still be an interference between the C clip and the protrusions from the Horn contact carrier #4 which are above the level of the lock plate;
Hence Why does the shaft not get out far enough?
And as I detailed above: this was already an issue, in the "original" situation, as I had difficulties getting the clip out at disassembly
The 2 pictures attached illustrate the current status.
What's next?
Hopefully Jim Shea will also jump in?
thanks
Cor
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
When you compare this picture to your pictures I think that you have the locking plate 180 degrees out of position.
When the keyway in the shaft yoke is at 3 o'clock (as in both my picture and your pictures) the two large horn contacts should be at 4 and 7 o'clock. (Yours contacts are shown at 10 and 2 o'clock.)
With the contacts at 4 and 7 o'clock you should be able to insert the c-clip down into slot of the yoke shaft from the 12 o'clock position as shown in my picture.
Jim
When the keyway in the shaft yoke is at 3 o'clock (as in both my picture and your pictures) the two large horn contacts should be at 4 and 7 o'clock. (Yours contacts are shown at 10 and 2 o'clock.)
With the contacts at 4 and 7 o'clock you should be able to insert the c-clip down into slot of the yoke shaft from the 12 o'clock position as shown in my picture.
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 113
Likes: 5
From: Dwingeloo Netherlands
Jim, that's exactly what the problem was!
Turned the plate 180* and it went together like a dream, matter of seconds!
However, I am 100% certain that I re-assembled it like it was installed, which was no doubt also the reason that I had difficulty getting the C clip out in the first place at disassembly, as described above.
Lesson learned is, that you should not always put things together like it was, as that may be faulty in the first place.
I did look a bit further down the bottom of the column, and it is obvious that the column has, at one time, been out of the car, so some work was done on it "sometime" in the past.
Everything is back together already, and works like it should.
Jim, I am very grateful for your help and quick response!
You made my day
Cor
Turned the plate 180* and it went together like a dream, matter of seconds!
However, I am 100% certain that I re-assembled it like it was installed, which was no doubt also the reason that I had difficulty getting the C clip out in the first place at disassembly, as described above.
Lesson learned is, that you should not always put things together like it was, as that may be faulty in the first place.
I did look a bit further down the bottom of the column, and it is obvious that the column has, at one time, been out of the car, so some work was done on it "sometime" in the past.
Everything is back together already, and works like it should.
Jim, I am very grateful for your help and quick response!
You made my day
Cor
