Steering Lock Problem
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2
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From: San Jose Ca
Steering Lock Problem
We have a 1976 Corvette which we are in the process of restoring.
I installed a new ignition lock, but the lock will not rotate back far enough to allow the key to be taken out.
I disassembled the steering column to see what was going on. The lock drives a gear on the opposite side which drives a rack and then an attached rod. The rod operates the actual switch located down on the bottom of the steering column. I removed the switch and the rod is completely free to move.
I suspect the problem is due to the linkage between the transmission shifter (auto) since the shift should be in park to allow key removal, I guess this is what is preventing the rack from moving down further, and hence the gear and the lock from fully rotating. See attached pics.
There is some work to be done on this linkage, however moving the arm on the other end of the cable does rotate the silver metal collar on the steering column. But still I can't get the rack to go down far enough.
Any suggestions ? How can I go about dismantling this further ?
I installed a new ignition lock, but the lock will not rotate back far enough to allow the key to be taken out.
I disassembled the steering column to see what was going on. The lock drives a gear on the opposite side which drives a rack and then an attached rod. The rod operates the actual switch located down on the bottom of the steering column. I removed the switch and the rod is completely free to move.
I suspect the problem is due to the linkage between the transmission shifter (auto) since the shift should be in park to allow key removal, I guess this is what is preventing the rack from moving down further, and hence the gear and the lock from fully rotating. See attached pics.
There is some work to be done on this linkage, however moving the arm on the other end of the cable does rotate the silver metal collar on the steering column. But still I can't get the rack to go down far enough.
Any suggestions ? How can I go about dismantling this further ?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Re: Steering Lock Problem (probty)
I also have a '76 with a T/T column that I disassembled two weeks ago. To disassemble it further, you need to remove the tilt spring at the bottom (be sure the column is tilted all the way up or the spring might shoot you in the face), then the pivot pins on the side. For that you can either:
a. Buy the special GM tool required to do so, or
b. Thread a screw in and pull the pin out with pliers.
The housing will then slide off when you pull the tilt lever back.
All of this is described in greater detail in Jim O'Shea's excellent papers in the CorvetteFAQ steering section. Jim is most certainly the steering column man.
Good luck with your repair! :cheers:
[Modified by VetticusSupersonicus, 7:25 AM 5/16/2003]
a. Buy the special GM tool required to do so, or
b. Thread a screw in and pull the pin out with pliers.
The housing will then slide off when you pull the tilt lever back.
All of this is described in greater detail in Jim O'Shea's excellent papers in the CorvetteFAQ steering section. Jim is most certainly the steering column man.
Good luck with your repair! :cheers:
[Modified by VetticusSupersonicus, 7:25 AM 5/16/2003]
