77 Telescoping column help.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
77 Telescoping column help.
I have another issue I have uncovered. It appears that the rod inside the column that controls the tele feature is seized or jammed. The ring that is supposed to tighten it is loose any idea of how to get this loose? Was thinking of drilling the end and using a slide hammer to try and yank it out. I also have a horn issue that appears to be wiring, as it appears the wire is pinched so I am going to drop the column. I am hoping someone has dealt with this in the past. The service manual doesn't address this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Lets start with the telescope lock issue. Is your telescope feature always locked or is it always free to telescope?
There is a locking rod inside the upper steering shaft. That rod presses against a locking wedge that is further inside the shaft. When you rotate the circular locking wheel you are causing a part called the star screw to press against the locking rod.
The circular locking wheel connect to a star screw with two small screws. You can cause the star screw to thread further into the upper steering shaft or you can cause it to thread not so far by removing the two small screws, use a large phillips screwdriver to adjust the star screw (in or out) and then reattach the locking wheel to the star screw in a different position.
The rod usually just falls out of the upper steering shaft when people remove the column from the car. I suppose the rod could be corroded to the upper steering shaft and could be locked in place.
Jim
There is a locking rod inside the upper steering shaft. That rod presses against a locking wedge that is further inside the shaft. When you rotate the circular locking wheel you are causing a part called the star screw to press against the locking rod.
The circular locking wheel connect to a star screw with two small screws. You can cause the star screw to thread further into the upper steering shaft or you can cause it to thread not so far by removing the two small screws, use a large phillips screwdriver to adjust the star screw (in or out) and then reattach the locking wheel to the star screw in a different position.
The rod usually just falls out of the upper steering shaft when people remove the column from the car. I suppose the rod could be corroded to the upper steering shaft and could be locked in place.
Jim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
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From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
The rod is definitely jammed. The adjuster that turns the star wheel is loose and has no effect on the looseness or tightness of the tele operation. The column is stick in one position leading me to believe it is jammed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
From your description of your problem, it sure seems to me that you have corrosion problems. The following sectional view of the T&T column head shows the locking mechanism.
Unfortunately, I did not label the telescope parts in this picture. But they pretty well standout. You can see the locking rod extending down through the center. The rod engages a wedge with a notch cutout for the rod.
I would think that the rod could be corroded to the upper shaft also the upper shaft could be corroded to the yoke shaft. Corrosion in either or both areas could give you a problem with telescoping.
You could try and drip some penitrating oil into the center of the upper shaft. This might eliminate the corrosion.
Jim
Unfortunately, I did not label the telescope parts in this picture. But they pretty well standout. You can see the locking rod extending down through the center. The rod engages a wedge with a notch cutout for the rod.
I would think that the rod could be corroded to the upper shaft also the upper shaft could be corroded to the yoke shaft. Corrosion in either or both areas could give you a problem with telescoping.
You could try and drip some penitrating oil into the center of the upper shaft. This might eliminate the corrosion.
Jim
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
Could just me the horn switch, they are garbage.
WD40, motor oil and Silicone are NOT rust breakers.
Last edited by ThePabst; Apr 1, 2013 at 03:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
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From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
Thanks for the advice, I will have a look when I get a chance, still a large amount of snow to disppear before I can even think of driving. Will let you know what I find out.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
I hear that. Just got my 78 started Saturday. We are almost snow free but now the mud is two inches deep. No chance of pulling her out of the barn just yet.
I have the little pin puller and the spring retainer tool you can borrow if you decide to take the column apart... It's a project for sure and likely to take the better part of a day to complete.
I have the little pin puller and the spring retainer tool you can borrow if you decide to take the column apart... It's a project for sure and likely to take the better part of a day to complete.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
I hear that. Just got my 78 started Saturday. We are almost snow free but now the mud is two inches deep. No chance of pulling her out of the barn just yet.
I have the little pin puller and the spring retainer tool you can borrow if you decide to take the column apart... It's a project for sure and likely to take the better part of a day to complete.
I have the little pin puller and the spring retainer tool you can borrow if you decide to take the column apart... It's a project for sure and likely to take the better part of a day to complete.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Memphis Tennessee
My shaft got stuck in where I couldn't put the steering wheel on far enough to engage the nut. I took a "C" shaped metal scrap, drilled one side to fit over the steering shaft, and the other side to thread onto a slide hammer. it allowed me to break the shaft loose right away.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
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From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
My shaft got stuck in where I couldn't put the steering wheel on far enough to engage the nut. I took a "C" shaped metal scrap, drilled one side to fit over the steering shaft, and the other side to thread onto a slide hammer. it allowed me to break the shaft loose right away.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
As an update, I fixed the problem. The rod was jammed so after soaking it in penetrating fluid I drilled a small hole in the end turned in a small screw and locked on with the vice grips and pulled. On the second or third try out she came. I cleaned up the rod, the end was a little out of round, applied some lube, reassembled and it works like a charm. Thanks for the help.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
Been there. Done that. A couple of years ago repairs ate up the budget. Just think you have something to look forward to next year.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
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From: Rochester New York
I sure do... but I've had the Vette a long time. I know it's sacrilege but I've been eye balling those early 60's Olds Dynamic 88 convertibles. Understated, under priced and 16x6 feet of hulking death trap: just cool.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: Portage la Prairie Manitoba
I am always looking for another project, but I would need to get rid of some other toys to keep the peace. My wife and kids love the Vette and it will likely always be part of the family. Good luck in your search.