Broke Steering Column Internal Rack Today
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Broke Steering Column Internal Rack Today
I've got an '81 t&t column. The rack for the key switch broke. Is this a hard repair? I plan on doing some searches and learn before I work on it. Simply want to know how tough it is?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No deal- other than you have to tear the column down to replace it, it's an easy fix. Last time I checked, the rack kit was still a counter item at most GM dealers. Read up on the how to with Jim Shea's steering papers.
You'll need a wheel puller and a lock plate compressor, along with a pivot pin puller. Your local auto parts store will probably have those in their tool loaner program.
While you're in there, tighten up and locktite the 4 screws in the lower tilt bowl. Save yourself a repeat visit.
You'll need a wheel puller and a lock plate compressor, along with a pivot pin puller. Your local auto parts store will probably have those in their tool loaner program.
While you're in there, tighten up and locktite the 4 screws in the lower tilt bowl. Save yourself a repeat visit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
No deal- other than you have to tear the column down to replace it, it's an easy fix. Last time I checked, the rack kit was still a counter item at most GM dealers. Read up on the how to with Jim Shea's steering papers.
You'll need a wheel puller and a lock plate compressor, along with a pivot pin puller. Your local auto parts store will probably have those in their tool loaner program.
While you're in there, tighten up and locktite the 4 screws in the lower tilt bowl. Save yourself a repeat visit.
You'll need a wheel puller and a lock plate compressor, along with a pivot pin puller. Your local auto parts store will probably have those in their tool loaner program.
While you're in there, tighten up and locktite the 4 screws in the lower tilt bowl. Save yourself a repeat visit.
Download the papers, and just dive in. I laid mine out on the bench in order. As Tim said, you want to locktite those 4 screws buried all the way in.I bought the rack kit at GM, along with the new bearings and seals.
Figure a day to remove and tear it apart.
Maybe a day to repaint it, clean up stuff.
A day to assemble it, and a few hours to jamb in back in.
Lock plate puller is still made. Pivot pin puller, I made my own with threaded rod and a socket.
I would also change the turn signal switch while in there. GM still has it as well.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I studied Jim Shea's papers last night. I also ordered some internal parts for the steering column and a lock pin puller. I've been into this column before. So I have most of the tools needed to get me this far. Car is going to be down a while as I have other repairs and upgrades to perform. I'm glad this happened in my driveway and not out on a drive somewhere.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Did you get your fan controller hooked up Big? I'd be interested in how it turned out for you.
Last edited by Street Rat; Jul 6, 2017 at 07:50 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
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From: Central Texas
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton Tx
How appropriate. I think this is what has happened to my column also. My wife couldn't get the key to turn to off in our 81. After a lot of reading I grabbed all of the Shea papers and diagrams. I was just wondering if I had to pull the column to work on that part, and it looks like I do. I need to work on the tach anyway, so I guess I work on a few things while the column is out. I was worried about how intricate this all is but looks like the instructions are pretty clear and should be a straight forward job. Thanks to the forum for the guidance and Shea for the nice write up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
How appropriate. I think this is what has happened to my column also. My wife couldn't get the key to turn to off in our 81. After a lot of reading I grabbed all of the Shea papers and diagrams. I was just wondering if I had to pull the column to work on that part, and it looks like I do. I need to work on the tach anyway, so I guess I work on a few things while the column is out. I was worried about how intricate this all is but looks like the instructions are pretty clear and should be a straight forward job. Thanks to the forum for the guidance and Shea for the nice write up.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I found this link that has some great pictures and information...PDF file
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
I found this link that has some great pictures and information...PDF file
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
Although not Vette specific that I saw, it still appears well written and good photos.
Steve
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This file below may help you too... this will get you most of the way...
Then go to this thread and I've described at the bottom how to get the rest.. Sounds like you are ready if you have the pin puller... Just remember to remove the big spring and to unlock the tilt teeth so you can remove the lower hub. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594954923
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...n-pictures.pdf
Then go to this thread and I've described at the bottom how to get the rest.. Sounds like you are ready if you have the pin puller... Just remember to remove the big spring and to unlock the tilt teeth so you can remove the lower hub. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594954923
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...n-pictures.pdf
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 350
From: No Where USA
Did you read Jim sheas papers? You didn't need to buy one. He outlines how to make one. A bolt, small 1/4 socket and some washers and it works great.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Three documents and three pages of illustrations.
The tool was ordered prior to me reading the papers.
It cost me all of $6.00
Last edited by Street Rat; Jul 10, 2017 at 06:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Be kind to the pin puller, it may be tender. The one I have is a genuine GM "Spent-More",
(Kent-Moore) tool. And I'm really nice to it. No desire to dig a broken screw out of a pivot pin.
(Kent-Moore) tool. And I'm really nice to it. No desire to dig a broken screw out of a pivot pin.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by TimAT
Be kind to the pin puller, it may be tender. The one I have is a genuine GM "Spent-More",
(Kent-Moore) tool. And I'm really nice to it. No desire to dig a broken screw out of a pivot pin.
(Kent-Moore) tool. And I'm really nice to it. No desire to dig a broken screw out of a pivot pin.