Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**1774btcrew** · 08-12-2013, 04:12 PM

Let me start off by saying I have rebuilt a TON of 1973 and newer tilt columns so that isn't the problem I am having. I have tried several different type pullers and for the life of me I can't get the upper cover to budge. I have read this post http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=329008 and also have the factory van rebuild manual and still can't get it. I even bought a $136 Snap On puller that the dealer told me it would work but it isn't wide enough. I have got a puller to grip the lip on it but is starts to bend the lip and the cover doesn't budge. I really need some help here.

farmall · 08-12-2013, 04:39 PM

I am getting ready to do the same thing . Thanks for the thread info.
I will be watching.

**john** · 08-12-2013, 05:57 PM

Those covers are a slight press fit. I just used a 4" piece of wood lath in the turn signal slot and gave it a pop with a small ball peen hammer and it came right off.

jaros44sr · 08-12-2013, 06:17 PM

How about some pb power blaster, they are a bit of press fit, but maybe a chemical will help it along its way. I think a mechanical action might help as well

**1774btcrew** · 08-12-2013, 07:17 PM

After some more research I found the correct tool to remove it. It is SUPER expensive at $125 used but looks like it would be easy to make. For those of your familiar with steering column lock plate tools it is essentially one of those with 2 semi circular pieces welded to the legs that fit under the lip of the cover. Very basic. I may make one. It shouldn't take very long.

jaros44sr · 08-13-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

After some more research I found the correct tool to remove it. It is SUPER expensive at $125 used but looks like it would be easy to make. For those of your familiar with steering column lock plate tools it is essentially one of those with 2 semi circular pieces welded to the legs that fit under the lip of the cover. Very basic. I may make one. It shouldn't take very long.

Great info., if you make one, you could increase the contact area of the puller to collar making it less likely youll damage the part. I think ill make one, thanks for the pic

**1774btcrew** · 08-19-2013, 05:27 PM

It would be easy to make. I got real luck and found a broken one for $21 shipped. It was missing one of the curved legs so I just made one and welded it on. It works like a charm! I just purchased the two other tools to remove and install the shift tubes as well

08-12-2013, 04:12 PM	#1
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,557	Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column Let me start off by saying I have rebuilt a TON of 1973 and newer tilt columns so that isn't the problem I am having. I have tried several different type pullers and for the life of me I can't get the upper cover to budge. I have read this post http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=329008 and also have the factory van rebuild manual and still can't get it. I even bought a $136 Snap On puller that the dealer told me it would work but it isn't wide enough. I have got a puller to grip the lip on it but is starts to bend the lip and the cover doesn't budge. I really need some help here. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

08-12-2013, 04:39 PM	#2
farmall Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central OR Posts: 688	Re: Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column I am getting ready to do the same thing . Thanks for the thread info. I will be watching. __________________ 1955 GMC 250 8 Flatbed 1971 C30 157" 350 4spd 10' Flatbed 81 GMC K30 CnC 9' Flatbed 454 T400 89 GMC Jimmy Stock https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810958 71 LT1 Convertible, 72 Coupe 69 CJ5, 75 CJ6, 67 M715, 72 M35A2 Bobbed, 95 XLC2

08-12-2013, 05:57 PM	#3
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column Those covers are a slight press fit. I just used a 4" piece of wood lath in the turn signal slot and gave it a pop with a small ball peen hammer and it came right off. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

08-12-2013, 06:17 PM	#4
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,457	Re: Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column How about some pb power blaster, they are a bit of press fit, but maybe a chemical will help it along its way. I think a mechanical action might help as well __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

08-12-2013, 07:17 PM	#5
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,557	Re: Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column After some more research I found the correct tool to remove it. It is SUPER expensive at $125 used but looks like it would be easy to make. For those of your familiar with steering column lock plate tools it is essentially one of those with 2 semi circular pieces welded to the legs that fit under the lip of the cover. Very basic. I may make one. It shouldn't take very long. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

08-19-2013, 05:27 PM	#7
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,557	Re: Having a hard time removing the upper collar/cover on a tilt steering column It would be easy to make. I got real luck and found a broken one for $21 shipped. It was missing one of the curved legs so I just made one and welded it on. It works like a charm! I just purchased the two other tools to remove and install the shift tubes as well __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.



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