55.2-59 Loose signal light housing on column

[northerngmc]

Looking for a solution to get the signal light housing to stay tight on the steering column.

I have tightened the screw in the wedge (bottom of the picture) as tight as I can and the signal light housing still loosens within a few uses of the signal lights.

The surface of the wedge that contacts the column and the column are both smooth. So tightening two smooth surfaces together seems wrong.

Am I missing something? Like a rubber gasket? Or a notch that the wedge is supposed to sit?

I am close to using JB Weld!

[Andy_Napco]

Northern,

I had the same issue, I cut a piece of thin sheet metal to fit between the column and wedge as a shim. You could probably trim a piece of a hose clamp too, gives the needed curvature. It’s been easy to snug up, I used an Allen head bolt in place of the original, much easier to tighten!

Andy

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by Andy_Napco

Northern,

I had the same issue, I cut a piece of thin sheet metal to fit between the column and wedge as a shim. You could probably trim a piece of a hose clamp too, gives the needed curvature. It’s been easy to snug up, I used an Allen head bolt in place of the original, much easier to tighten!

Andy

Thanks for the suggestions. Both sound reasonable.

[northerngmc]

I used a piece off the end of a hose clamp between the wedge and column. Tightened up nicely.

Thanks.

Next task is to figure out why it only cancels the signal lights turning one way.

[1project2many]

I've found the bucket needs to be fairly close to the bottom of the steering wheel for the cancel mechanism to work properly. If it doesn't tighten evenly it's possible the cancel cam won't contact the cancel linkage. Even with everything done correctly, I am still habitual about checking the lever after a turn to ensure it has returned to center.

I was able to use small strips of aluminum cut from a soda can to help the wedge. I placed them between the bucket and the wedge. I found that worked better than trying to put them between the wedge and the column.

[northerngmc]

It took me awhile to figure out the cancelling mechanism. Glad I had a back up from my parts truck to compare.

I found a few issues.

My truck was missing the small lock washer that sits under the cancelling ring for the bolt that holds it all together. I think this was causing a bit of misalignment. Not a big issue but an issue.

The tab on the cancelling cam mounted to the steering wheel was bent. Straightened it.

The circular cancelling ring was also tweaked. The bottom arm wasn’t able push the mechanism back to the neutral position. Couldn’t see what exactly was bent but swapped it with the one from my parts truck and it works.

I agree that to make the signal lights cancel require that the stars be correctly aligned.

Test drive the truck yesterday to Cars and Coffee and it worked much better. The wedge is holding well. The right turn signal cancels very quickly but the steering wheel was probably 30 degrees counter clockwise from straight. I pulled the wheel and recentred it but didn’t drive it again.

I had fought this issue for years. On vacation this week and I think my patience are higher.

[1project2many]

Good job! It must feel great to finally sort out the issues.

I used parts from many different trucks to install the OEM turn signals in my truck. I think I ended up with the wrong cam. If I center the steering wheel one side doesn't like to cancel. I've lived with it for years but you've inspired me to figure out what's going on.