Key in steering column clicks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 106
From: Riverside CA
Key in steering column clicks
I have a 72 column that when I turn the key it clicks or grinds and sends no power to the starter. I assume it needs a new rack kit or ignition activator hardware, but never done this job and would appreciate any comments.
Thanks
Jim
Thanks
Jim
Last edited by 70s Vette Guy; Jul 31, 2019 at 01:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 106
From: Riverside CA
Yes it is a tilt/tele. When I turn the key, nothing electrical works. The click/grind comes from the key turning, sounds like something is stripped. It is not a starter click.
Thanks
Jim
Thanks
Jim
Last edited by 70s Vette Guy; Jul 31, 2019 at 01:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 17
Switch or rod operating the switch could be faulty or just misaligned / loose.
Do you know Jim's steering papers?
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Do you know Jim's steering papers?
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
https://www.restore-an-old-car.com/c...mn-repair.html
Not sure that's your problem but it is interesting to see anyway.
Not sure that's your problem but it is interesting to see anyway.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 106
From: Riverside CA
I have read a few of Jim's Papers and once I know what parts have gone bad, I'm sure they will be of assistance. I was hoping to find someone that has had the same problem to help diagnose my problem before I start removing things. Thanks for the website with the broken rack, that is what I think it is.
Thanks again to GunPowder and bazza77 for the replies and ideas.
Thanks again to GunPowder and bazza77 for the replies and ideas.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
I have rebuilt a tilt column so have had it all apart to change the 2 upper bearings , but never had a problem as you describe.
To get the two swivel pins out i just found a correct threaded bolt and put a washer on it and used a screw driver to lever the pin(s) out.
To release the steering lock plate I bought the tool from a local car parts shop , not expensive.. I also got an Allen head bolt to use to lock the tele part so the tool could be used. That's about all the "special" tools you need
They aren't that hard , but I had to have a few goes at getting the top housing back on without losing any bearings. I took mine out so I could do it on my work bench, sometimes 3 hands would be better but it's not too challenging.
Certainly wait and see if you get a positive answer on the cause , but it does sound like the problem is in the column.
One possible way is to get under the dash and look for any movement on the ignition rod.
If you can't see it one way to check is to remove the small cover under the column (trim piece) and just lower the column on the two mounting bolts a little and then see if your getting any movement on the rod
To get the two swivel pins out i just found a correct threaded bolt and put a washer on it and used a screw driver to lever the pin(s) out.
To release the steering lock plate I bought the tool from a local car parts shop , not expensive.. I also got an Allen head bolt to use to lock the tele part so the tool could be used. That's about all the "special" tools you need
They aren't that hard , but I had to have a few goes at getting the top housing back on without losing any bearings. I took mine out so I could do it on my work bench, sometimes 3 hands would be better but it's not too challenging.
Certainly wait and see if you get a positive answer on the cause , but it does sound like the problem is in the column.
One possible way is to get under the dash and look for any movement on the ignition rod.
If you can't see it one way to check is to remove the small cover under the column (trim piece) and just lower the column on the two mounting bolts a little and then see if your getting any movement on the rod
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
One way to make sure it's a rack problem is to put hand on the rod and turn the key, if the rod doesn't move then it's a rack issue for sure.
I can get you down the column past the turn signal switch with this paper I did years ago, but I've never finished the entire column write up. (yet). We've even shot a video that's still on hold. http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...stallation.pdf
There are some other good pictures on my tech page too... http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/?...teering+column
And if you do tear it apart, there are enough people here that have done this job that I'm sure we can walk you through any issue you have.
I can get you down the column past the turn signal switch with this paper I did years ago, but I've never finished the entire column write up. (yet). We've even shot a video that's still on hold. http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...stallation.pdf
There are some other good pictures on my tech page too... http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/?...teering+column
And if you do tear it apart, there are enough people here that have done this job that I'm sure we can walk you through any issue you have.