Steering Column Help

[truckintexas]

Anybody know how to remove the housing support and shaft from a tilt column?? I have it broke down as far as I can go. I removed the lower retainer, cover, and bearing, the horn contacts, turn signal switch, springs, screws, etc. Then I removed the upper bearing retainter nut, spacer and bushing.

The upper shaft now flops loosly in the upper bearing, and the lower end of the shaft is loose in the housing tube. I thought this would loosen the "housing support" (as named on page 137, item 23 - LMC Online), but no such luck. Now I am stuck. Anybody??

Michael

[Sammy]

There are two dowel sorta pins that need to be pulled out. I threaded a small screw in them and used a soft mallet to pull them almost all the way out. I think some people make a puller using a small socket and washer under the head and simply screw the the screw in over a washer. Those dowel pins are oval in shape. Once you pull them out enough it will release that housing. Just a bit stubborn to get started out. Look closely you will see the pins at the 3:00 o clock n 9. Hope this helps.

[truckintexas]

Thanks a bunch, Sammy. But are the pins down inside the housing on the same surface as the three screw holes for the turn signal switch??

[Sammy]

let me go check the column in the garage may get a pic ..brb

[Sammy]

Ok you have the torque screws 4 in the center plus the two dowel sorta pins. My pics show the dowels with the screws I use to pull them. You will have to pull the gear lever too if I remember its under a lil spring pressure. Does this help you?

[truckintexas]

Something's up. Mine doesn't look like that. I'm going to take some pics......

[Sammy]

I've only had 2 tilt columns apart both looked like this. These are truck tilts not sure if a van tilt is exactly the same but assume it would be.

[truckintexas]

Here is a shot looking down into the housing......Mine doesn't appear to have the pins you refer to. I wonder if this one is pressed on. This is definitely a truck tilt. Shaft is 36.5 inches end to end. The neutral safety switch cab seal and everthing are for a truck.

[truckintexas]

After comaring the pics, I think the pins are on mine. I just have gotten down that far yet. What comes off next?? I cant see any connectors at all.

[Sammy]

If your just wanting to take out the slop. Remove the torque screws 1 at a time put the locktight on them tightned them back, unless your bearings are just fubared too.

[truckintexas]

I started ouot trying to put in a new turn signal switch and wiring, but the bearing looked and felt so bad, I decided to replace it as well.

[Sammy]

I think its the same. The housing in my pic is the swivel section just below where your pic shows. Look closely you can see the ring where it has a collar in my pic.

[Sammy]

I just repacked the bearings with a dab of wheel bearing grease.

[truckintexas]

I guess that would work if i could figure a way to get the turn signal switch wiring down thru the column and out the other end.

Do you remember how to get to those pins??

[Sammy]

Yeah no way without splicing. Unless you take it the rest of the way apart.

[Sammy]

With a non-tilt I think you can but can't see how you could with a tilt.

[truckintexas]

Sammy, thanks for all your input. I really appreciate the pics and the help. I think I'm gonna go back out to the shop and make another run at it......

Michael

[Sammy]

When you do get this apart watch for all the ball bearings may come apart from the bearing cage. If you reuse the bearing.

[Sammy]

OK good luck.

[Sammy]

Any luck?

[john]

If you haven't got the upper housing off yet, you will need to. I used a wood handle brass brush in the turn signal lever slot and give a tap. Then you will see the trunnion pins to remove to finish disassembly. Use a machine screw in pin to pull it out.If they are frozen up there is a puller made for them. Good luck.