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Old 10-20-2009, 10:07 PM   #1
northerngmc
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3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

I am looking for a little help with my 3 speed manual column shift, aka 3 on the tree!

It is sticky to pull back to get to first and reverse. It is better in warm weather and if I spray penetrating oil on it, it does improve slightly.

I am thinking there is years of dirt and grim in the column itself and I am wondering about taking the column out and what it would take to take it apart and clean. Anybody with experience on this? I have swapped the column out before and I am mainly looking for advice on what might need to be cleaned and lubed to make it slide better.


I have adjusted the shifting mechanism on the end of the column as per the instructions in the FAQ section and that improved the situation.
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Old 10-20-2009, 10:11 PM   #2
pissonNOS
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

in all honesty the best solution to this is a floor shifter conversion
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Old 10-20-2009, 10:36 PM   #3
northerngmc
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

Maybe, but I like the column shifter and want to keep it that way.
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Old 10-21-2009, 07:48 AM   #4
dznucks
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

i have asked similar questions before and i could find any info either. i have a bunch of crap rattling around in mine that i would like to get out. so i am interested in where to find rebuilt parts and schematics.
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Old 10-21-2009, 09:05 AM   #5
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

There is a set nut and a cam at the bottom of the column in the engine compartment that can help adjust things and preloads the in column linkage . Linkage bushings are important also . I got mine working correctly just in time to remove it .
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Old 10-21-2009, 09:37 AM   #6
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine.

Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help.

The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done.
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Old 10-21-2009, 09:49 AM   #7
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine.

Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help.

The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done.

Here's some info: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348390
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Old 10-21-2009, 11:36 AM   #8
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

I wonder if oven cleaner wouldnt eat that grease out while its installed, spray it down the column, let it sit a while rinse it out or use pressurized air, (wear goggles) wipe it off anything you dont want stripped, its hard on paint! Just an idea to try if you dont want to pull the column out. I know oven cleaner dissolves old grease really well, so does diesel fuel. Just my .2cents
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Old 10-21-2009, 01:01 PM   #9
LkyDevilz72
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

I just pull the steering wheel and do a quick once over, regrease everything and check the turn signal cam and bearings and stuff, then on the bottom end just clean the hell out of it, like at a car wash with a pressure washer, then wd-40 the hell out of it. Make sure to pull and clean the pin that actually holds the shifter arm to the column, gunk gets built up in there too.

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Old 10-21-2009, 01:50 PM   #10
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

after 40years a good cleaning and lubrication does amazin things to moving parts
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Old 10-21-2009, 06:12 PM   #11
1968CHEVYC10
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

I've been having similar problems on mine, it seems like the piece that moves the 2 shift levers on the column in the engine compartment is worn, so that it wont catch the levers.
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Old 10-21-2009, 07:06 PM   #12
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Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1968CHEVYC10 View Post
I've been having similar problems on mine, it seems like the piece that moves the 2 shift levers on the column in the engine compartment is worn, so that it wont catch the levers.
Have you tried adjusting it? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307
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