SFleming

I put a new lock cylinder in the steering column of a 77 Corvette. It seems like I assembled it properly. But, the steering wheel will not lock into position and keeps moving forward and backward. The lever that locks it into position will not budge. Think I did something wrong but, I'm not sure what. It would nice to know what to look out for when I take it back apart. Thanks

bazza77

Have a look around the area you were working in , it sounds like the little rod fell out of the centre of the top shaft.

And did you screw the big cross head screw in tight ? as in bottom out ? It shouldn't be able to go all the way into the shaft .

SFleming

Yep, I missed the big bolt that goes on the shaft and retainer clip. Well, At least I don't have to take off the lock plate again. Is this rod that has to tightened down to hold the lock plate puller in place? thanks

TimAT

The star screw has to be removed to install the lock plate puller. There is a rod under that. That rod is the wedge that locks the telescopic portion. When you lock the fore and aft movement with the exposed lever on the wheel, that star screw pushes on the rod. (If I'm reading what you stated properly)

bazza77

yes , I use a narrow headed bolt so the lock plate puller will fit over it .

So you didn't put the rod back in and just tightened down the star screw(big cross head screw) super tight ? is that correct ?

0Willcox Corvette

There is a rod that slips into the hole the star bolt threads into...

This rod is rest on a key way that locks the column into place.

If the rod fell out there is nothing for the star bolt to push against.

If you didn't lose the rod, the best way to adjust this is to tighten the star bolt as far as possible until you feel tension on the tele of the column.

Then align the locking ring collar to the closest holes to the right as possible... then back them up one set of holes and place the screws in the locking ring. If you do it this way the column should lock perfectly.

Hope this makes sense and if you have lost the rod, email me at service@Willcoxcorvette.com, I've probably got a good used one sitting around here.

SFleming

I took a closer look the rod is still in place, the problem is that the star screw is not pushing the rod all the down to the bottom of the shaft therefore, it will not lock into position. I did realize you turn this ring https://corvetteparts.com/item/dial-...lumn-1977-1982 and it loosens the star screw so, you can adjust the steering wheel position. I will add a photo of the column, as words are not really explaining the problem 100%.

SFleming

SFleming

Ok, I did a test. I put in the star screw in the column in the state it is in photos.... it still will not lock. Then, I took a longer bolt and screwed it into the column this locked it into position. Is it possible I messed up the star screw when I disassembled the column?

Also, these sources really helped me too
http://1976corvettestingray.blogspot...ing-wheel.html

SFleming

chucks

You may have left out the locking wedge bumber It’s a very small shim that goes between the locking shaft and the locking wedge. If you look at doc rebuild steering column parts diagram it is number UU. It is not used in all columns.

SFleming

The locking wedge is in still on the end of the locking shaft. Cant lock the shaft and compress the lock-plate without it. The locking shaft should have all the parts as I took it apart again to make 100% sure that wasn't the problem.
(This is the wedge your referring to)

chucks

The locking wedge bumber sits between the locking rod and the locking wedge. It shims the locking rod up higher in the column to get more locking action. Very easy to fall out. I have one in my 77 column.

SFleming

Here's the solution I took a screw that was the same diameter as the locking rod. I cut the end of the screw off with a Dremel. I put it in on top of rod and screwed down the star screw it locks into position perfectly. Its not the best solution. The best solution is to cut a new locking rod for the shaft. Thanks for everyone that helped couldn't have figured it out on my own.

bazza77

FWIW , my column didn't have the little bumper (UU) as referenced by chucks but they did make 2 length rod so maybe mine had the different one in it .

Are you sure the little bumper is not lying around your work area ?

Anyway we were close , glad you got it locked up and can drive it again.

0Willcox Corvette

Good video and your method works great, but you really should back up the locking ring one screw set.

The reason I say this is if you do it in the manner shown, the ring has a lever made onto the top side and this lever can hit the lower housing cover and scratch or chip the paint. I'm not saying yours will, but the tendency is for this to happen.

Backing it up to the left one set of screws gives you more clearance to prevent this from happening and it also allows you enough free play to release the tele lock.

IMHO,

Willcox