C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

how to remove backdrive pin from under steering column

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Old May 28, 2025 | 11:44 PM
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Default how to remove backdrive pin from under steering column

if u know u know (ha, always wanted to say that)

key not able to rotate ccw in ignition cylinder to unlocked position. — key cannot be removed

steering wheel not locking

removed knee bolster and hush panel, confirmed broken backdrive pin.

have ordered a used unit off ebay


anyone know how to remove the backdrive pin from under the dash? the ball was easy to remove from the socket but how to remove the backdrive pin? can it be done from under the column or do i need to tear column down?

Thnx.
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Old May 29, 2025 | 12:49 AM
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You don't have a spare column of any year?
Never done one but I would expect you need column out of the car on the bench to access the lower shroud vicinity. I would imagine you need to disassemble to gain access. The FSM has a descriptive text explanation but illustrations aren't very descriptive. The FSM location and illustrations should be vicinity 3F3 -15 or so depending on the year.

I believe that maybe @Kenlou had to do this a couple years ago. You might reach out to him. Here's his comments from that thread. I tagged him so he should see a PM.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1604822841

Last edited by WVZR-1; May 29, 2025 at 12:58 AM.
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Old May 29, 2025 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
You don't have a spare column of any year?
Never done one but I would expect you need column out of the car on the bench to access the lower shroud vicinity. I would imagine you need to disassemble to gain access. The FSM has a descriptive text explanation but illustrations aren't very descriptive. The FSM location and illustrations should be vicinity 3F3 -15 or so depending on the year.

I believe that maybe @Kenlou had to do this a couple years ago. You might reach out to him. Here's his comments from that thread. I tagged him so he should see a PM.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1604822841

Thank You @WVZR-1 , i have scoured my fsm but will revisit the area you mentioned to see if i missed it.

Yes i see @Kenlou had the exact same issue is his thread.

Obviously id rather not remove the column and Id rather not not remove the wheel and dive in from the outside, but i can do if its required.

Appreciate the assistance.
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Old May 29, 2025 | 09:30 AM
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The section in the FSM changes from year to year it seems. In an '88 FSM I found this image and some text. If you need I can supply. I didn't check FSM(s) newer than '88 and maybe they refined procedure in later. I have all year.

Can you accomplish without disassembly. Looks very possible?


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Old May 29, 2025 | 09:50 AM
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thnx. looking at it right now on 3b5-9 of 86 manual.


i suppose yes these are the instructions. looks like retaining mechanism is a cross pin that comes out the top through an access hole in the shroud. i will plan to drop column and likely remove wheel down to the 4 screws that i will locktite as Kenlou did. he obviously had access to it at that point. Ive done that before so i can handle it!
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Old May 29, 2025 | 12:56 PM
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On the 86, I didn't know what i was doing here so I just cut the cable very short, and probably as I tried to pull it out somehow because it held the pin back (towards the driver) so I could remove the key same as if it was in reverse on the 4+3. Later when I removed the remnants of the cable, it freed up the pin, and I would have to reach under and pull back on the ball to release the key.

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Old May 29, 2025 | 01:13 PM
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If memory serves me correctly, you have to tear the column pretty far down in order to get that pin out....because you have to remove the actuator (shown in the diagram WVZR-1 posted) in order for the cross pin to drop. Removing the actuator requires removing the actuator rack. (right side of the image).

Can it be done in the car? Maybe, I did it out of the car.

When I switched to manual in my car I installed a little bracket that keeps it actuated all of the time (medium dangerous, I just have to remember to not turn the key all the way back while driving or the steering will lock) because I had forgotten that I was going to eliminate that failsafe while I had the column apart.

Definitely an if u know u know situation haha
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Old May 29, 2025 | 02:36 PM
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This has been a great help. Thnx all.

I will try to keep column in car but drop it down if needed.
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Old May 29, 2025 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
This has been a great help. Thnx all.

I will try to keep column in car but drop it down if needed.
perhaps a radiator hose clamp installed on the column right under the end of the bar as when it’s extended, and then rotate the fat screw part of the clamp behind the bar holding it forward?
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