Tearing apart my column

[dooce]

Well last night I was having problems with my turn signal lever wanting to go into the 'right' position. It was fine putting it in the 'left' position. I was almost home, needed to make a right turn and snapped something inside the column. Now it wont stay in either the 'right' or 'left' position and it is a little tricky to get my blinker to come on. I have to do it just right and hold it there til I make the turn. Anybody know what I broke that would be causing this? I have never torn my column apart, but I thought I remember someone saying there are some special tools needed. Anybody know what tools I will be needing? I searched and couldnt find any how to's, anybody know where I would be able to find one? thanks

[vtwinsport]

Hey,
Simple fix but you'll need a tool alright. Here is a photo of what most likely broke. Here is a link to great instructions with photos on how to fix a whole column. You'll only need to do part of it though.
http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html

[dooce]

Oh, not sure if it matters but my truck is a 76 without tilt. will this ^ still help me? what is that part called?

[vtwinsport]

Mine is a 76 as well with tilt but not much difference unless you are fixing bits deeper in the column.
You'll still need to remove the steering wheel and lock ring which goes over the bit in the photo and that is the piece that requires the tool. They don't cost much as the auto parts store. It's easier than you think.
It's the turn signal switch assembly.

[72 CustomCamper]

The white piece in the pic is called a turn signal switch...


Chuck

[dooce]

Does anyone have any good places online to buy these tools? Im in Germany so im not sure if the places here would have anything like them.

[84 400]

you don't "need" the lock plate tool but it does make the removial easy. I have never use the too I just pus on the lock plate and remove the lock ring and it comes flying out. But It takes a bit of fighting and frustration to get it done this way.

[85gmcguy]

This place carries a lot of those type parts and tools, but they don't show very much on their web site.

www.natauto.com/

They do have an 800 number and they'd probably ship to an APO. I've always been happy with them...

[dooce]

Originally Posted by 85gmcguy

This place carries a lot of those type parts and tools, but they don't show very much on their web site.

www.natauto.com/

They do have an 800 number and they'd probably ship to an APO. I've always been happy with them...

Thanks, Ill give them a call when I get off tonight.

[asphaltburner]

Yo! 84 400 is correct,...you con't need a tool, but it does make the process, especially re-installation, easier. I've never used one on all the lockplates I've pulled. I just use a pair of pliers to push down on both sides of the lockplate and slip out the snapring. Installation is the reverse.
And, yes, the turn signal switch return spring is what's broken,...you'll need to replace the turn signal switch assembly with it's plug. Loosen the steering column bolts below the dash, and the channel that the wires run through below the steering column, and this process is easy. Just did my '78's recently. Todd.