Steering wheel shaft problem
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Oakville
Steering wheel shaft problem
I thought I would be brave and attempt to change the key lock cylinder. I managed to get it installed without a hitch. The problem that I have encountered is that the steering wheel shaft has come out. It looks as if there is a locking mechanism at the bottom of the shaftand a little rod that goes into the shaft.. I have tried every which way to get it to lock back into place without any luck. Does anyone have any ideas as to how this works?
Any help would be really appreciated.
Any help would be really appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,071
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Ok ... There is a key similar to a woodruff key. It does in the slot in the telescoping shaft. The rod inside the shaft contacts a flat on the key. As the screw that contacts rod is tightened the key rides up the machined ramp in the shaft and locks the shaft at the desired elevation.
The lock plate must be removed to install the shaft then you can see the slot the key goes in. Install key, put shaft in column, install lock plate and other items then drop the rod in, install wheel and telescope/horn spring, wheel retaining nut with horn button bracket and finally the screw and lever that lock the telescoping mechanism.
Not hard once you visualize how they go together assuming you have a lock plate compressor.
Ryan
The lock plate must be removed to install the shaft then you can see the slot the key goes in. Install key, put shaft in column, install lock plate and other items then drop the rod in, install wheel and telescope/horn spring, wheel retaining nut with horn button bracket and finally the screw and lever that lock the telescoping mechanism.
Not hard once you visualize how they go together assuming you have a lock plate compressor.
Ryan
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Oakville
Thanks for the help, how does the lock plate compressor work? the one i have attaches to the end of the shaft. When I tighten it the shaft comes out. So I cannot put any pressure on the lock plate. Where am i going wrong?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by slick50
Thanks for the help, how does the lock plate compressor work? the one i have attaches to the end of the shaft. When I tighten it the shaft comes out. So I cannot put any pressure on the lock plate. Where am i going wrong?
I had to sit there and visualize what actually is happening when you tighten the tool. Put your thinking cap on and go through each step. The directions/diagram on my tool did not make sense. I thought through each step and adapted the tool with some other nuts and a socket so it would actually apply the force in the direction I wanted it to.
I can't really describe what I did - but just know that it can and will work if you use your mechanical skills of deduction/fabrication.
You can also ask the NAPA counter guy for input - some of them actually know what they are talking about.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 67
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From: Oakville
I have tried every whichway with the lockplate compressor, the problem is the shaft keeps coming out. There has to be a way to have the shaft stay inside the column. I am not sure if iam putting back together properly.
I have attached some pics to give a better idea
Thanks for your help guys
Lex
I have attached some pics to give a better idea
Thanks for your help guys
Lex
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by slick50
Stupid me, I figured out what you mean about the screw. But i still cant figure out how to comress the lcok plate with the screw in place
Once again - you can do this, others have done it before.
Just a thought. Bogus has done this and has a post out there. He is MUCH better at explaining these things. Shoot him a PM as he will be glad to help.
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Brett Foote
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From: SE NY
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There is a screw that fits into the locking lever that locks the tele rod in place.
Remove that screw, take it to the hardware store and get an allen head screw of the same pitch and same length or a little longer if necessary. You can shorten it as required.
Insert that allen head screw into the tele rod and tighen it up. Then the rod won't come out and you can use the lock plat compressor to depress the lock plate and slip in the C clip.
Though my lock plate depressor was sold as a "tele wheel" unit, it didn't have the center screw so I had to use the above McGiver method to get my steering column back together.
Remove that screw, take it to the hardware store and get an allen head screw of the same pitch and same length or a little longer if necessary. You can shorten it as required.
Insert that allen head screw into the tele rod and tighen it up. Then the rod won't come out and you can use the lock plat compressor to depress the lock plate and slip in the C clip.
Though my lock plate depressor was sold as a "tele wheel" unit, it didn't have the center screw so I had to use the above McGiver method to get my steering column back together.
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
It's a standard 5/16s bolt...I rounded the head off so it would clear the lock plate tool and tightened it with visegrips...Then the shaft will stay put....Works like a champ