Problems reinstalling lock plate in steering column
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
Problems reinstalling lock plate in steering column
I'm trying to reinstall my lock plate but am having a dumb moment. I have the proper tool, however the hollow spindle which the tool attaches to is free moving. This spindle has a half moon shaped key which sits in the end which slides down into the column.
Once the spring is in place, the spindle is slid into position. Is there some way this locks in place so I can push the lock plate down far enough to then put the C clip back in? I'm confused at the moment but the solution is probably so simple I'll regret this topic. Thanks.
Once the spring is in place, the spindle is slid into position. Is there some way this locks in place so I can push the lock plate down far enough to then put the C clip back in? I'm confused at the moment but the solution is probably so simple I'll regret this topic. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Oliphant Ontario
can't answer directly, but the first link is an excellent set of video's on it (chev truck) and second is a decent site on a monte carlo Both are standard GM Saginaw columns like (most) of ours..
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles.../photo_02.html
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles.../photo_02.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
can't answer directly, but the first link is an excellent set of video's on it (chev truck) and second is a decent site on a monte carlo Both are standard GM Saginaw columns like (most) of ours..
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles.../photo_02.html
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles.../photo_02.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
Still not able to view the videos on that site, however I found plenty on youtube. All the GM vehicles (except the Corvette) seem to have a similar design for retaining the lock plate.
Unless I'm mistaken, the lockplate on our C4s is retained with that thick C-clip correct? It's been years since I've had a column apart. What I'm seeing is where the clip should slot into the shaft is actually below the turn signal switch. Anyone on here actually take detailed pics of their column rebuilds?
Unless I'm mistaken, the lockplate on our C4s is retained with that thick C-clip correct? It's been years since I've had a column apart. What I'm seeing is where the clip should slot into the shaft is actually below the turn signal switch. Anyone on here actually take detailed pics of their column rebuilds?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
I think you have to push the collumn down and flip the telescopic lever over to lock it down, then use the tool you have. Its been years since Ive done it. Will be there again soon. I have a squeak.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
here is a pic from a link
you simply turn the 1/2 nut on top of the U bar it pushes the lock plate in you re-place your lock ring
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1312&bih=781
you simply turn the 1/2 nut on top of the U bar it pushes the lock plate in you re-place your lock ring
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1312&bih=781
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Yous is probably more like this one. sounds like you need the You need the lock plate tool.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...s-of-pics.html
Using the lock plate tool compress the lock plate and pull the snap ring out using a couple of picks.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...s-of-pics.html
Using the lock plate tool compress the lock plate and pull the snap ring out using a couple of picks.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
I'm going to try to get some pics I snapped loaded up later today. I've got the tools. However the spindle for the telescopic steering which the wheel eventually attaches to "floats" freely inside the shaft despite have that weird key in the groove AND the rod which slides down the hollow shaft of the spindle.
I tried it both ways: without the rod and without the rod and when I try to depress the lock plate down on the spring, the spindle just pulls out of the shaft. Checked my fsm and I've got all the parts in the exploded diagram.
I tried it both ways: without the rod and without the rod and when I try to depress the lock plate down on the spring, the spindle just pulls out of the shaft. Checked my fsm and I've got all the parts in the exploded diagram.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
Little bit of an update:
So I knew it was going to be something so obvious I would feel stupid once I figured it out. The reason the hollow shaft keeps pulling out of its housing when I try to depress the lockplate is because it's part of the telescopic steering.
Sadly, I didn't figure this out on my own. I desperately searched google with key words. Corvette Action Center had one post which made me hang my head in shame: just thread a stud into the tip of the shaft to push on the rod which locks the key inside the housing. Then you can get to depressing the lockplate with the puller.
My next question about this is the area where the C clip seems to slot in sits BELOW the turn signal switch assembly. I've checked it and the signal switch is screwed in place as it should be against the column housing. What am I missing? The bearing race is visible, then you drop on the lockplate spring, then on goes the turn signal cancel cam followed by the lockplate.
Honestly it looks like there's no room to depress it.
So I knew it was going to be something so obvious I would feel stupid once I figured it out. The reason the hollow shaft keeps pulling out of its housing when I try to depress the lockplate is because it's part of the telescopic steering.
Sadly, I didn't figure this out on my own. I desperately searched google with key words. Corvette Action Center had one post which made me hang my head in shame: just thread a stud into the tip of the shaft to push on the rod which locks the key inside the housing. Then you can get to depressing the lockplate with the puller.
My next question about this is the area where the C clip seems to slot in sits BELOW the turn signal switch assembly. I've checked it and the signal switch is screwed in place as it should be against the column housing. What am I missing? The bearing race is visible, then you drop on the lockplate spring, then on goes the turn signal cancel cam followed by the lockplate.
Honestly it looks like there's no room to depress it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Morgans Point Resort Texas
I made my own stud by cutting off a bolt then using a dye grinder i cut a screw slot across the cut end. Then the tool will fit over the stud, and the screw slot allows you to tighten the stud and then remove when done. Amazing how simple the solution was, i fought mine for several hours trying to manually push the plate down and insert clip.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
I made my own stud by cutting off a bolt then using a dye grinder i cut a screw slot across the cut end. Then the tool will fit over the stud, and the screw slot allows you to tighten the stud and then remove when done. Amazing how simple the solution was, i fought mine for several hours trying to manually push the plate down and insert clip.
Yeah, I caved and purchased a couple of set screws with the allen head recess in the top. About to go give it a try and see what happens.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
Lock plate installed and just in time for work! Guess I'll pick back up on reassembly tonight. Thanks for the help! Now I'll spend the rest of the day shaking my head at how simple it was after thinking so hard about it.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
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I'm having this same problem and had read about the bolt in the shaft to keep it from pulling out. The problem is I cannot find a bolt that fits the shaft properly other than the wheel bolt that goes in last. But the lock plate depresser doesn't fit over that obviously, therefore my question is do you guys know what size bolt fit your shaft for this job. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lansing MI