Steering column repair question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 590
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From: Boynton Beach, FL
Steering column repair question
1) How do you compress the big spring that holds the tilt mechanism when reassembling the steering column? 2) how can you measure the pivot pins/holes to tell if the pivot casting or pins are ok?
I bought a 93 steering column on E-bay to get a replacement pivot assembly. The column on my 93 is loose. I took the new column apart on the bench as practice before tackling the one in the car. GOOD THING I did. I had to use a C clamp and socket to compress the spring to release the retainer cap. I don't know how someone short of an olympic weight lifter can recompress the spring to reassemble it. Any advice would be appreciated.
When I got the pivot casting out of the car the pins fit snugly in the casting but can be pushed in and out by hand. They are not a press fit. Can you buy .001" oversize pins? Mine both measured .4000" dia. with my Mitutoyo caliper. My thought was when reassembling the column with the new casting I would use Loc-Tite bearing retainer on the pin shoulder where they are pressed into the housing. Has anyone tried this?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Larry
I bought a 93 steering column on E-bay to get a replacement pivot assembly. The column on my 93 is loose. I took the new column apart on the bench as practice before tackling the one in the car. GOOD THING I did. I had to use a C clamp and socket to compress the spring to release the retainer cap. I don't know how someone short of an olympic weight lifter can recompress the spring to reassemble it. Any advice would be appreciated.
When I got the pivot casting out of the car the pins fit snugly in the casting but can be pushed in and out by hand. They are not a press fit. Can you buy .001" oversize pins? Mine both measured .4000" dia. with my Mitutoyo caliper. My thought was when reassembling the column with the new casting I would use Loc-Tite bearing retainer on the pin shoulder where they are pressed into the housing. Has anyone tried this?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Larry
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 408
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From: Elkton MD
Steering Wheel Lock Removal
There is a tool to compress the lock spring; for my '95 the tool number is J23653-SIR where the SIR means 'Supplemental Inflation Restraint' or air bag. If you have an air bag, be sure to find and follow the instructions to disable, remove and store it.
Actually, I bought one of these tools from the "HELP" rack in an auto store for about $10 for use on an '88 Jimmy. I don't know if it fits the Corvette but it sure looks like the one pictured in the FSM. Also there's a tool for compressing the tilt spring; for my '95 it's J39246. You could probably find it at a parts store too.
The Jimmy column was loose because of the tilt base being loose-not because of pivot wear. Once the steering wheel and turn signals were off, a pivoting allen wrench could be used to tighten the screws in the mounting base. The pivoting allen wrench was very specialized and a friend loaned it to me. It looked like a regular driver but the very end had a universal joint. Each size allen had a dedicated handle to make the pivot very close to the hex.
I haven't had a Corvette column apart but check the pivot mounting base screws, especially if you don't find the pin worn.
Hope this helps.
Actually, I bought one of these tools from the "HELP" rack in an auto store for about $10 for use on an '88 Jimmy. I don't know if it fits the Corvette but it sure looks like the one pictured in the FSM. Also there's a tool for compressing the tilt spring; for my '95 it's J39246. You could probably find it at a parts store too.
The Jimmy column was loose because of the tilt base being loose-not because of pivot wear. Once the steering wheel and turn signals were off, a pivoting allen wrench could be used to tighten the screws in the mounting base. The pivoting allen wrench was very specialized and a friend loaned it to me. It looked like a regular driver but the very end had a universal joint. Each size allen had a dedicated handle to make the pivot very close to the hex.
I haven't had a Corvette column apart but check the pivot mounting base screws, especially if you don't find the pin worn.
Hope this helps.
