Steering column challenge

 

 Took apart the steering column to replace the turn signal switch which had a broken wire and probably caused my horn problems but now i have a problem.

In the course of pulling the switch out, I knocked the High beam lever innards out of position so now it doesn't work.  And I can't figure out from all the diagrams, I've got how it all fits together.   Anybody have any picks of how it's supposed to look inside the column? The one's from corvettefaq are useless for this.

 HELP !

 

20 views and no one can help??

 I'm shocked...

I know how to do it, but it's very difficult to describe.  I know the pictures are rough.  Perhaps you want to give me a call this weekend when you are at the car, and I may be able to talk you through it.

OR.... Just drive by my place and we'll do it in no time.  That would be fun.  Only 2 states away.

I will send you my number.

Thanks Ken,

 I'll call you Saturday Morning...what time is good?

  Any thoughts how to get the C-Clamp and lock plate back on by yourself...I have trouble pushing down the spring and putting the clamp back on...

 Otherwise I could drive on over....If  need to get a tool I'll have to pick it up tomorrow before I fly....

 Thx,

  Jim G

You do need a tool. It's a steering wheel lock plate tool.  With a telescopic column it's a bit more difficult due to the fact the center shaft want to telescope and you can't get the plate compressed.  You can make a tool to fix this problem.  Look at the rotating bolt that connects the the release lever for the telescope.  Get a bolt slightly longer, cut the head off, and cut a screw slot in the end where the bolt was.   Now push the shaft all of the way in, install the screw in the center, and tighten it down.   This will lock the shaft, and the lock plate tool will work.

The lock plate tool attaches to the shaft, and has a U shape that can be pushed down with a screw to hold the plate down, and allow you to slide the C clip in place.   Really not too difficult at all.  You can get the tool as a rental from AutoZone.  When you return it, you get a full refund, so it cost nothing.

Are you now in Il, or VA?  Probably about the same distance anyway.  I will get up sometime Saturday.  Fairly early due to yard work, house work, and hopefully, some time on the Vette before I go to the Hospital.   Anytime after 9 AM would be fine.

 

 I actually think the piece I need  to keep the center shaft in place came with the lock plate tool...I didn't know what it was.... now it all makes sense......

 I'm guessin' I need to fix the light issue before I put the lock plate back on.

 I've got the plastic slidey thing  for the brights back in place but on that end the rod is just sitting in there. Didn't know where to hook it. It looks like it's shaped to just sit against the rod.   I'm also guessing I disconnected the other end from something without realizing it.  I guess the rod passes all the way to the other end of the column and hooks to a lever?

 Anyway, Talk to you Saturday...looking forward to it.

  Jim

P.S. I'm in Va today and fly back to IL to pick up the car tomorrow nite.  THen I'm off to KY...then drive back to Va on the 30th...via Bowling Green, of Course....

 Hey Bowling Green bunch...what are you doing on the 30th, I'll be in town for a couple hours at the museum...

JimG38541.2384027778

I just want to say thank you to Ken for talking through the reassembly of the steering column...

I do still have a problem...the horn doesn't work...but that will be posted in electrical....

 Thank you again Ken...I was losing my mind...

 Oh and BTW, it won't lock in position... Yes I put the bolt back in the middle.

JimG38542.6342476852

The lock is the pin that comes up to the slotted plate that you need to tool to remove.  It ties in with the link for the lock cylinder to the ignition switch rod.  The lock pin could have slipped off of the ignition rack (link) when working with the other items.  Then all else would work, but the wheel won't lock.