steering column rebuild
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 93
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From: Palm Springs, CA USA
steering column rebuild
I have had my tilt/tele steering column rebuilt up to the steering wheel and plan to finish the last part myself. My main problem is about a small rod that is left over. It is 4 1/4 inches long and about 1/8" in diameter. As I was finishing the paint on the column this rod or pin fell out of the column. My mechanic is on vaction for 2 weeks so I am trying to figure this one out myself. I have looked at all the drawings I could find and can't seem to find this pin anywhere. If anyone can tell me what this is for and where it should go I would really appreciate it. Currently it is in the center of the steering column, but I'm not sure that is the correct place for it. Thanks, Wells :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: steering column rebuild (wellsw)
I think you are describing the rod that the star screw reacts against to lock the telescoping feature. When you rotate your telescope lock, you turn the star screw, it pushes the rod down inside the hollow upper steering shaft yoke, which pushed against a steel wedge.
If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. Download the picture entitled Tilt & Telescoping Blowup Pic. I'm quite sure that the part you are describing is #52 Telescope Locking Rod.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 10:03 AM 9/6/2002]
If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. Download the picture entitled Tilt & Telescoping Blowup Pic. I'm quite sure that the part you are describing is #52 Telescope Locking Rod.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 10:03 AM 9/6/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: steering column rebuild (wellsw)
You didn't state what year we are talking about, but follow Jim's directions. His posts on the FAQ site are chock-full of great stuff. I would suggest copying the exploded views and then expand them on your computer so that they are 50% bigger than the standard. Then you can print them and take them to your garage.
Gary
Gary
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Palm Springs, CA USA
Re: steering column rebuild (Jim Shea)
Thanks for all your responses. Jim you are right on as usual. I had looked at your diagram and it seemed like the rod should have been deeper in the steering column from the illustration. However, I managed to get in touch with Rick at Steering Columns Galore, who I had bought some parts from in the past and he said the same thing it is the rod/pin the star bolt presses against to lock the column at the desired extenstion. I will proceed with the install now more confidant that everything is in the right place. Now all I have to do is make sure I get the star bolt in the right position. Thanks, Wells :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: steering column rebuild (wellsw)
Adjusting the star screw is easy. Have the telescope adjuster in place. Insert the star screw and use a phillips screw driver to tighten the screw until you cannot telescope the column (with the steering wheel). Now take the adjuster and place it so that the adjustment lever part is all the way in the clockwise position. Install the two set screws. Now rotate the adjuster lever counterclockwise and make sure that the column now freely telescopes. Retighten clockwise and make sure that it will not telescope.
It is possible that you may have to reindex the adjuster one position clockwise or counterclockwise to get the feel just right.
It is possible that you may have to reindex the adjuster one position clockwise or counterclockwise to get the feel just right.
