Actuator Rod Concern

[Spline64]

Hey all,

Have a 1991 S15 Jimmy with the extremely common loose tilt steering wheel issue. Found a bunch of articles on how to fix and have since tightened the 4 reverse torx bolts with thread locker so I never have to do this again...I hope.

My issue is putting it back together. I noticed that the actuator rod can move back like six inches from the normal position close to the steering column and can also turn. Is this normal or did I just create more work for myself and broke the actual ignition switch?
Also if I didn't damage it, I can't figure out how the heck it actually gets pushed down. Any guidance on this would be appreciated.

Going to take some pictures tonight and post them to clarify things when I get home (at lunch currently)

Thanks,
Pat

[Spline64]

Ok, so here's some pictures. I'm not sure if the actuator rod even attaches to anything or not. It got pulled out during one of my "attempts" to remove the piece in front of the knuckle.

First is what I believe is normal position or what I think it is supposed to be. I don't see that it is hooked to anything and thought it was supposed to be attached to the actuator rack so when you turn the key, it moves the actuator rod back and forth.

Next is what it looked like after I pulled it out (removed pivot pins of course, this is after I was trying to put it back together). Don't think that is normal

Final is after I turn the key, it moves out but doesn't go back. Not sure how this is happening as I don't see it attached to anything. Worried that the starter wouldn't shut off like this.

So any help is appreciated

Thanks,
Pat

[Spline64]

Or is that for the high beams and I detached from the actuator when the rail fell out?

[Boog]

That may be better addressed over in the S10/S15 forum.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...play.php?f=130

[ChevyTech]

That rod is for the headlight dimmer switch.

In the illustration at this link the rod is part 67
It should be installed in switch part 68
part 14 pushes on it from the top to activate the dimmer
http://www.s10planet.com/forum/attac...achmentid=2276


In the photo that is seventh up from the bottom at this sight the part that is labeled “plastic part in position” is the same part as part 14 from the illustration in the first link.
http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html

[Spline64]

Thanks Chevy Tech!

That handles the dimmer switch. Last thing I need to connect is the switch acutator rack (47) to Actuator Assy, Ignition Switch (48). The rack fell out when I was removing the steering column housing. Is it possible that this (48) can fall into the column as I didn't see it (but wasn't looking for it either)?

That diagram helps so much, really appreciate it!!!

Thanks,
Pat

[ChevyTech]

You're welcome.

If the rack falls out, when you put it back in place the lower end of the rack needs to be put over the end of the rods with both parts in the correct relation to each other.

If you turn the key you should be able to feel if it is moving the ignition switch or not.

[Spline64]

Amazing what good instructions can accomplish!

Steering tight as heck and another bonus, damn thing even starts

Thanks again ChevyTech

Pat

[ChevyTech]

You’re welcome.

A thank you is always appreciated.

Glad to hear things worked out.

Tilt columns are not the easiest thing to work on.