Avisalem155

Hi All,

I've been struggling with this for a few days now. I went to rebuild my tilt column a few weeks ago, and the pivot pin remover broke off inside the pivot pin. Tried everything to get it out, no luck. I figure I will try again when the column is out. In the meantime I ordered a used column from eBay and I am trying to swap it with the one I currently have in. I'm having trouble getting it off though. I've removed the 2 bolts holding the column up to the dash, the 2 bolts that connects the column to the firewall from inside the car, all the electrical connectors, the bolt connecting the drive shaft to the ?rag joint?, and the 2 small bolts holding the bearing in place (however it won't come loose). I'm thinking a few things, either somehow the gas pedal needs to be removed, or the carpet and rubber liner is getting stuck between the gas pedal and the plate that screws into the firewall, or the drive shaft is still very stuck. Either way I've been yanking on the column (I know, very bad) and it won't budge. Am I missing something? I can't figure out how I would even get a hammer anywhere to try and separate the drive shaft from the joint. I need help, please??

Thanks,
Avi

antfarmer2

Make sure you take out the pinch bolt loose will not do it. Then soak it good with bp blaster and smack a wedge in the crack.

Avisalem155

Thanks, I actually fully removed the pinch bolt, believe it or not I don't have a wedge but will be picking one up. I've been trying every angle to get something in place to sort of pry it apart, but no luck. Also soaked it with WD-40.

PatternDayTrader

You are certainly not the first person to have this problem. All you can do is fight with it until you win...

antfarmer2

I seem to remember a forum member having to take something out by or the gas pedal. You don't have a long chisel?

Avisalem155

Unfortunately I don't have a long chisel and I'm having trouble even finding room under the car to do anything with a hammer or anything else to give it a good tap.

antfarmer2

Turn the steering wheel to find a spot.

Avisalem155

My steering wheel is sitting on my drivers seat, that might be a little tough

antfarmer2

Then pick up the front end and shove the tire.

-=Jeff=-

One my 1990 I had to remove the accelerator pedal to allow the column to come out

Avisalem155

Ok so I got it out. I'm pretty certain that removing the nut (on the firewall, engine side) holding the gas pedal down was in fact necessary.
To get the drive shaft disconnected I wedged a screwdriver into the joint where I removed the pinch bolt from (as antfarmer2 recommended), soaked it with WD 40 and gave a few good whacks, then a few good tugs on the column, and she slid out. Going to finish up repairing the dash with new film, connectors, and photocell, and everything will hopefully return back to place with no issues.

Thanks

antfarmer2

I knew you could good job.

OldPoop55

Sounds like I have a challenge ahead of myself. I have a replacement steering column on the way to the house right now. I picked up an '84 'vette as an abandoned vehicle for $110 via the DMV. When the locksmith came out to make me a key, various plastics components in the steering column came out in pieces. Also, the center bolt in the steering column has been sheered off before he even started.

Oh well, I may be asking for help as well. Thanks for what I have read so far.

Avisalem155

Well there's a lot of great resources on this forum, and since I went through it I'd be glad to help. Just make sure you have all the right tools on hand, makes the job much easier. Good socket set with lots of different sizes in metric, and extensions to make your life easier getting nuts and bolts out under the dash, steering wheel puller, lock plate compressor, and pivot pin puller (you can make a homemade one, just google it). Most important in my opinion, take as many pictures as possible. I'll be glad to help if there's any other questions you have.

Avi

Avisalem155

Thanks, couldn't have done it without you all!


Avi

antfarmer2

I got a virgin first thanks.

Avisalem155

Hey all, I need some more help. So I switched out the columns, I've been switching out some parts as the column I received from ebay, was tight, but had other issues. The issue I'm getting hung up on now is that the key cylinder and key will not go to the lock position, the key is essentially stuck in the cylinder. So I dug into the column again, and I can't figure out what the issue is. I even removed the ignition switch to see if that was the problem and it isnt. I have the dimmer and ignition switch fully removed, and the key and cylinder still won't budge. I've been looking at the little plastic gear near the dimmer lever, looks like it's functioning fine, but I need to know if adjustments need to be madr.

Thanks

Avisalem155

Another update! So it seems that the cable going to the column for the gear position (I believe?) Is probably bent, I manually depressed the button/spring in and the key turned to off and came out. Now, any recommendations? I don't mind disabling this feature....ideas how to?

Thanks

OldPoop55

I got my steering column off of ebay as well. It came complete with a key. I may attempt the swap this weekend and will reach out for help or mention my success as soon as I try and tackle this. Thanks..

OldPoop55

I too need help getting the steering column out. I removed the two bolts under the dash as well as the two bolts against the firewall. I also removed the two bolts on the accelerator to get it out of the way. The pinch bolt is removed as well and seems like the shaft is loose in the coupling. But, I can't pull the steering column through the firewall. It seems to be getting stuck on this little ring at the bottom of the steering column with the two small screws. Do I need to remove it? Picture is below of the replacement steering column so you can see what I am talking about.