Steering column question...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Steering column question...
I have a tilt/telescope column (1980). Recently I was doing some blinker work and had a heck of a time reinstalling.
The reason was that the steering shaft that telescopes would come completely out when I removed the “C” clip that holds all the guts in, so even the tool that normally attaches to the steering shaft to squeeze all of it together didn’t work because the shaft would just come out.
That’s my question for today – is it normal that the shaft comes completely out when the first “C” clip is removed? If so, I need to get a different tool when I go back in..
Thanks in advance..
The reason was that the steering shaft that telescopes would come completely out when I removed the “C” clip that holds all the guts in, so even the tool that normally attaches to the steering shaft to squeeze all of it together didn’t work because the shaft would just come out.
That’s my question for today – is it normal that the shaft comes completely out when the first “C” clip is removed? If so, I need to get a different tool when I go back in..
Thanks in advance..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
That C-clip is considered a critical safety item because (just as you remarked) the steering shaft AND STEERING WHEEL can come right off in your hands if the clip becomes disengaged. That is why one of the functions of the plastic C-ring retainer is to prevent the clip from working its way out of the grooves in the locking plate and the steering shaft. (BTW, the C-ring retainer also performs another function - it isolates the big telescope spring from grounding the horn contacts - i.e. your horn will blow all the time if the spring touches any metal column parts.)
What you need to do is reinstall the star screw or install a 5/16-18UNC set screw to lock the upper steering shaft from telescoping while you use the bridge tool to compress the locking plate.
There are a number of tips on working on the T&T column at the www.corvettefaq.com websight in the steering section. The first disassembly and repair paper covers the removal of the steering wheel and basic procedures to replace the lock cylinder and other minor column repairs.
What you need to do is reinstall the star screw or install a 5/16-18UNC set screw to lock the upper steering shaft from telescoping while you use the bridge tool to compress the locking plate.
There are a number of tips on working on the T&T column at the www.corvettefaq.com websight in the steering section. The first disassembly and repair paper covers the removal of the steering wheel and basic procedures to replace the lock cylinder and other minor column repairs.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
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From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
After a quick scan of your paper, I had to post just to say kudos to you Jim...looks like you spent a lot of time and did a superior detailed job that will surely help many of us...myself for certain... 
Last edited by Avette4me; Aug 19, 2004 at 12:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
After a quick scan of your paper, I had to post just to say kudos to you Jim...looks like you spent a lot of time and did a superior detailed job that will surely help many of us...myself for certain...
Jim is to steering what Lars is to carbs & ignition. His writeups helped me immensely when I tore down my column.
A note on that big arsed spring: (if you don't have the proper compressor thingy) I reinstalled the c-clip by first taking off the driver's side T-top so I could stand up and get some leverage, then I took a big pair of channel lock pliers and wrapped a towel around the jaws, then with my right hand and stomach I compressed the locking cog with the plier's handle ends, while notching in the c-clip with my left hand. Then once I had it notched, and the lock wheel wasn't going anywhere, I tapped it home with a screwdriver.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I'm still pondering the star screw that Jim is referring to. I thought that it bolts into the center of the shaft right where the compression tool bolts to...I'll know more tonight when I start if I don't hear back first...
If I don't hear back from Jim, I'll be using the grunt an cuss method you're describing...
thanks
If I don't hear back from Jim, I'll be using the grunt an cuss method you're describing...
thanks
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Team Owner
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
I'm still pondering the star screw that Jim is referring to. I thought that it bolts into the center of the shaft right where the compression tool bolts to...I'll know more tonight when I start if I don't hear back first...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
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From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
You're right, but the tool is designed to pull down on the steering shaft to compress that big *** spring.... I went out in the parking lot and looked and it appears that you put the star screw back in to lock the shaft, and then the put the compression tool on the where the nut that holds the steering wheel on would normally go....if that's correct, i now understand what Jim was saying...
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by wcsinx
Jim is to steering what Lars is to carbs & ignition. His writeups helped me immensely when I tore down my column.
A note on that big arsed spring: (if you don't have the proper compressor thingy) I reinstalled the c-clip by first taking off the driver's side T-top so I could stand up and get some leverage, then I took a big pair of channel lock pliers and wrapped a towel around the jaws, then with my right hand and stomach I compressed the locking cog with the plier's handle ends, while notching in the c-clip with my left hand. Then once I had it notched, and the lock wheel wasn't going anywhere, I tapped it home with a screwdriver.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
For anyone interested in knowing, I purchased a new compression tool for $16.00 at the local auto store. It has an adapter that pushes a pin into the part that locks the telescoping shaft for a very easy reassembly..
Jim's suggestion of using a set screw works well also.
Jim's suggestion of using a set screw works well also.