Need help with my steering column

[drewbert41]

So I need to replace my turn signal switch and when I went to remove my steering wheel I discovered that I am missing a few things in the column.
I know for sure I am missing the retaining nut and the pressure plate but, I could be missing even more. Do any of you have step by step pictures of part removal? I would hate to have to buy a new steering column because I am just missing a few small parts.


Another thing, I removed my turn signal switch and the part # on it is d-8-67. I am not having any luck finding one to buy. Could someone help me get the right part? Non-tilt.

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

First one is the box top off the turn signal actuator. Fit like a glove in my 3 ott... Little swivel pin took some coersion but it went in with a couple light taps on a brass punch.. Sorry about the quality of the other pics. I don't have my laptop, so I'm taking pics on my phone off the screen of my camera....lol

[drewbert41]

So you don't have a pressure plate either? Guess that is only newer trucks?

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Not sure what you mean by pressure plate... The wheel is just held to the shaft with a nut and washer...3 screws hold the turn signal and upper bearing assembly to the first collar. Between those two pieces is just a rubber grommet on a plastic washer that's keyed into the column. Next is the shift collar, then another keyed plastic washer, then a steel washer... "Pressure" in the column is maintained by a set of springs in the engine bay, just below the shift linkages on the shaft...

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Make sure you unplug the airbag...

[drewbert41]

I assumed I was going to run into one of these and bought the special tool for its removal.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The replacement has a different 4 way. There are 2 round pieces, a spring & screw.
The connector is different also. You will need an adapter or cut the wires & splice in the old one.

[drewbert41]

I am going to cut and splice anyways because I rewired the whole truck and hooked up my column with spade connectors.

So it will fit then? Want to make sure before I order it.

[drewbert41]

good to go then?

[drewbert41]

I think I am going to go with GMCPauls turn signal switch. It is cheaper and same as original. Anyone else buy one of these?

[raggedjim]

That plate is only on 73 up that lock the steering column when you turn off the ignition. Your truck never had that plate.

Rg

[drewbert41]

Thanks, I was making sure because I do not have the original column.

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

As I understand it the little red hazard button was 68 only. Napa doesn't carry the red button one because the later black button was used on multiple models of cars/trucks, and is virtually identical save for a couple of differences. One being the color/shape of the hazard button and the other being the wiring connector. (As per Napa guy) However if you order the unit for 68 pickup, it comes with the above mentioned adapter in the box that clipped right into my harness. The hazard button, although different, fit well, and works flawlessly... I'd say if the other one is cheaper, shipped, and is OE for the 68 its the logical choice. The multiple connectors under the dash are somewhat unsightly. But....Sadly....My ol truck is never going to be an all original showpiece so the convenience of getting it here in town and at that moment, outweighed price points or authenticity....

[drewbert41]

So I guess my column is a 68 since it has the red hazard switch. I replaced it with the one from GMC Paul's and hazards/ turn signals work great. However, my steering wheel is a later model one so I bought an old 67-68 one to get it back to original.

When I took the later model one off and installed the 67-68 one the horn button does not make contact with anything so it will not snap in place. I purchased the nut and washer I was missing and I have way more threads showing that the guy with the blue steering wheel above does.

So I take it I am missing a grommet or bushing or something in the column. Sucks to take it all apart again. Does anyone have an exploded view?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by drewbert41

So I guess my column is a 68 since it has the red hazard switch. I replaced it with the one from GMC Paul's and hazards/ turn signals work great. However, my steering wheel is a later model one so I bought an old 67-68 one to get it back to original.

When I took the later model one off and installed the 67-68 one the horn button does not make contact with anything so it will not snap in place. I purchased the nut and washer I was missing and I have way more threads showing that the guy with the blue steering wheel above does.

So I take it I am missing a grommet or bushing or something in the column. Sucks to take it all apart again. Does anyone have an exploded view?

The nut is not screwed on all the way in the picture above. Here is a picture of the parts that fit below and above the steering wheel. The metal cup is what holds the horn button in place. The horn button should have a rubber grommet/bushing on it.

LockDoc

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Dagr8npwrfloz

As I understand it the little red hazard button was 68 only.

From what I understand the red hazard button is for non-tilt steering wheels, not 68 only.

That said, mine has the black button instead, which is supposed to be for tilt. I was told it's wrong. Can anyone confirm?

[webfoot]

FWIW - that "pressure plate" you speak of is for the locking columns with the in-column ignition switch, which GM began using in cars starting in 1969, and in trucks starting in 1973.

This paper shows exploded diagrams of a 68 GTO steering column but the parts are similar if not the same other than the steering wheel.

http://thefirstgensite.com/library/6.../steering.html

[drewbert41]

Originally Posted by webfoot

FWIW - that "pressure plate" you speak of is for the locking columns with the in-column ignition switch, which GM began using in cars starting in 1969, and in trucks starting in 1973.

This paper shows exploded diagrams of a 68 GTO steering column but the parts are similar if not the same other than the steering wheel.

http://thefirstgensite.com/library/6.../steering.html

Really glad I dont have to deal with one of those!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Question, dumb perhaps...........Is the button in the canceling cam for the horn?

[drewbert41]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Question, dumb perhaps...........Is the button in the canceling cam for the horn?

Red Hazard button is part of the turn signal switch I bought from GMC Paul.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

These posts are real helpful. I pulled the cap off my 72 to check positioning of the spring loaded pin/button on the canceling cam was located. Like my 71 it's at 10 o-clock. So I put it back together and no horn. It's a new truck to me, and I dumb neglected to see if it worked in the first place. Don't know if cleaning the top of the rim in the steering wheel was it, but now it's working.

Like Doc mentioned, that disk isn't flat. The "dome" side faces rear of the truck. The slot in the retainer faces up to attach the button. If you have the right cup and it's still not working, try backing off the screws a hair, might help.

That canceling cam do two different things? One cancel the turn signal and two make contact for horn operation? Guess I'm wondering what the spring loaded pin that contacts the metal disk is used for.

[webfoot]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

That canceling cam do two different things? One cancel the turn signal and two make contact for horn operation? Guess I'm wondering what the spring loaded pin that contacts the metal disk is used for.

The cancelling cam also has the horn contact in it, the ground is complete when the horn button is depressed. The turn signal switch has a button in it as well for horn grounding.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by webfoot

The cancelling cam also has the horn contact in it, the ground is complete when the horn button is depressed. The turn signal switch has a button in it as well for horn grounding.

Just what I was looking for. Thanks a bunch Web.