Need help with steering column on '88.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Need help with steering column on '88.
I've replaced the ignition lock on my '88 and am stuck on how to compress the spring under the Lock Plate to install the C retainer.
This would be easy with a std steering column, but mine is the telescope steering wheel. This feature has the center section (to which the steering wheel attaches) floating up/down within the column. As a result there I cannot attach the Lock Plate compressor tool to the center section till after the C retainer is installed and cannot install that retainer till after the Lock Plate is compressed....
Anyone gotten around this dilema please share the secret.
This would be easy with a std steering column, but mine is the telescope steering wheel. This feature has the center section (to which the steering wheel attaches) floating up/down within the column. As a result there I cannot attach the Lock Plate compressor tool to the center section till after the C retainer is installed and cannot install that retainer till after the Lock Plate is compressed....
Anyone gotten around this dilema please share the secret.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
There are 2 versions of the tool. The correct one for the telescoping wheel has a rod in the center of the compression tool. The telescope functino on the steering wheel works with pressure/friction. if you dont have the right version of the tool - you can create a length of metal rod that your current tool will press on when it is screwed on.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thanks Bookman, I just attached the tele locker handle, locked the center post in positions and it became so "obvious".... :o
Gees you would think that tools would be sold with English as at one of the languages on the carton. This tool from AZ had a pic with some description in non-English; it must be for the non-tele wheel.
Anyway, now that I have the scoop on just how the tele works, I can move on with a little "McGiver"ing to finish up.
Thanks much for the insiteful response.
Gees you would think that tools would be sold with English as at one of the languages on the carton. This tool from AZ had a pic with some description in non-English; it must be for the non-tele wheel.
Anyway, now that I have the scoop on just how the tele works, I can move on with a little "McGiver"ing to finish up.
Thanks much for the insiteful response.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: 84 Blue A4 Garrison Ky
I just replaced the turn signal switch on my 84. I got the c clip out without tool, but could not get it back in without the plate tool, so i went up to auto zone and bought it. I'm like you, i took a while to figure out how to make it work. I finally took a bolt the same length as the bolt used to tighten column and ground the head down to fit inside removal tool. worked great, just as advertised. It kinda worried me that the whole center section that steering wheel bolts to can be pulled right out of steering column without that bolt screwed in the center but i guess thats how they make it telescoping. My horn quit and it was that spring loaded button on turn signal switch that was the culprit, but you have to replace whole switch. Works fine now.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
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LOL, yep that is what I had to do; just finished up the job and all is well again.
After searching several stores for the proper tool this morning I finally picked up an allen head cap screw and cut it to length to hold the column while the "universal" Lock Plate tool slipped over the allen head.
For this project even my GM Shop manual wasn't enough to get the job done, though it was a big help.
After searching several stores for the proper tool this morning I finally picked up an allen head cap screw and cut it to length to hold the column while the "universal" Lock Plate tool slipped over the allen head.
For this project even my GM Shop manual wasn't enough to get the job done, though it was a big help.
