Steering column rebuild question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**rgunlock** · 01-18-2016, 11:43 AM

I'm about ready to install the column in my 78 GMC. While its still out I would like to deal with anything that is likely worn. It is a non-tilt column and I've got a 4-speed floor shift so this is a pretty basic column. I know that I want to replace the rubber boot on the steering coupler as well as the rag joint. I haven't had a chance to drive the truck enough to know whether there were other problems or not.

What would you replace while you were at it? Anyone with a good link to a column rebuild?

Thanks

chrismoore701 · 01-18-2016, 02:10 PM

ignition and safety neutral switches

**rgunlock** · 01-19-2016, 03:11 PM

Thanks Chris. Is there actually a neutral safety switch in the column for manual transmission?

chrismoore701 · 01-20-2016, 08:37 AM

I am not sure how it works, but it may be hooked up to the clutch. Good luck. I took a 1977 straight, a 1979 straight - damaged, and a 1979 tilt - damaged, and combined to make a 1979 tilt. wow what a challenge.

ray_mcavoy · 01-20-2016, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Is there actually a neutral safety switch in the column for manual transmission?

No, the manual transmission columns don't have a neutral safety switch. Instead, there is a clutch safety switch mounted on the pedal hanger bracket.

**rgunlock** · 01-21-2016, 08:28 AM

So the ignition switch is the main thing to take care of while the column is out. Thanks for the suggestions.

**MikeB** · 01-21-2016, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgunlock

So the ignition switch is the main thing to take care of while the column is out. Thanks for the suggestions.

It's difficult, if not impossible, to adjust the switch once the column is bolted to the dash. GM did this intentionally to reduce the chances of theft. So be sure to check switch operation first.

tommy217xxx · 01-21-2016, 09:51 AM

Good luck trying to find the coupler boot. I couldn't find one at all.

**MikeB** · 01-21-2016, 10:08 AM

I'd also clean and lube the top and bottom bearings. The grease tends to dry out over the years.

**rgunlock** · 01-21-2016, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy217xxx

Good luck trying to find the coupler boot. I couldn't find one at all.

Searching around, I found this link http://www.quadratec.com/products/918018_02.htm provided by member raggedjim that is supposed to be a usable replacement. I've ordered one, so I hope he's right.

Thanks for the additional suggestions MikeB.

tommy217xxx · 01-21-2016, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Searching around, I found this link http://www.quadratec.com/products/918018_02.htm provided by member raggedjim that is supposed to be a usable replacement. I've ordered one, so I hope he's right.

Thanks for the additional suggestions MikeB.

Let's us know how that boot works out. I had 2 intermediate shafts one with a good boot and one with a bad boot. So I just swapped the boots around.

**First c10** · 02-26-2016, 10:55 AM

thought I would post this
pretty good write up

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

Scott76 · 02-26-2016, 03:20 PM

Anyone know whether our gen trucks have the 'key presence switch'?

My fasten set belt light stays on all the time, even with the vehicle off and the key out of the ignition.

The senor on the retractor is not hooked up, but it still seems strange to me that it would stay lit even turned off and with the key out.

**rgunlock** · 03-20-2016, 03:57 PM

Its been a while since I posted this question, but I did get the Jeep steering coupler boot. Came as a kit. The parts appeared to fit fine. The boot looks pretty good although I kind of mangled the plate in the base of the boot trying to get it over the pin in the shaft. I suspect that there is a better way to go about that job.

While I had the column apart, I ended up replacing the ignition switch, turn signal switch assembly and lower column bearings.

01-18-2016, 11:43 AM	#1
rgunlock Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball, Texas Posts: 1,592	Steering column rebuild question I'm about ready to install the column in my 78 GMC. While its still out I would like to deal with anything that is likely worn. It is a non-tilt column and I've got a 4-speed floor shift so this is a pretty basic column. I know that I want to replace the rubber boot on the steering coupler as well as the rag joint. I haven't had a chance to drive the truck enough to know whether there were other problems or not. What would you replace while you were at it? Anyone with a good link to a column rebuild? Thanks Attached Images __________________ Rick 78 GMC K15 SWB, 350/NV4500/NP205/4.10s Project Hazel 71 GMC C25 350/TH400 - Project Angie 59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line? Not sure now ) 2001 GMC Sierra K2500

01-18-2016, 02:10 PM	#2
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,328	Re: Steering column rebuild question ignition and safety neutral switches __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

01-19-2016, 03:11 PM	#3
rgunlock Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball, Texas Posts: 1,592	Re: Steering column rebuild question Thanks Chris. Is there actually a neutral safety switch in the column for manual transmission? __________________ Rick 78 GMC K15 SWB, 350/NV4500/NP205/4.10s Project Hazel 71 GMC C25 350/TH400 - Project Angie 59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line? Not sure now ) 2001 GMC Sierra K2500

01-20-2016, 08:37 AM	#4
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,328	Re: Steering column rebuild question I am not sure how it works, but it may be hooked up to the clutch. Good luck. I took a 1977 straight, a 1979 straight - damaged, and a 1979 tilt - damaged, and combined to make a 1979 tilt. wow what a challenge. __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

01-21-2016, 08:28 AM	#6
rgunlock Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball, Texas Posts: 1,592	Re: Steering column rebuild question So the ignition switch is the main thing to take care of while the column is out. Thanks for the suggestions. __________________ Rick 78 GMC K15 SWB, 350/NV4500/NP205/4.10s Project Hazel 71 GMC C25 350/TH400 - Project Angie 59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line? Not sure now ) 2001 GMC Sierra K2500

01-21-2016, 09:51 AM	#8
tommy217xxx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: mi Posts: 359	Re: Steering column rebuild question Good luck trying to find the coupler boot. I couldn't find one at all. __________________ TJ 76 gmc 1500 swb patina finish Dropped 4/5, 350/4 speed 80 Chevy c10 lwb 305/350

01-21-2016, 10:08 AM	#9
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,663	Re: Steering column rebuild question I'd also clean and lube the top and bottom bearings. The grease tends to dry out over the years. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

02-26-2016, 10:55 AM	#12
First c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Banos CA Posts: 2,706	Re: Steering column rebuild question thought I would post this pretty good write up http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf __________________ 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door 1956 Chevy 210 4 Door 1970 K20 LWB project the Hulk build w/Supercharged 4.8L-ly2/4L60E HULK BUILD 1970 C10 Yellow/White Deluxe LWB w/ 5.3L-LC9/6L80E 1968 K10 LWB Dark green my son calls it "THE HULK Jr"HULK JR SOLD GO GO!!!

02-26-2016, 03:20 PM	#13
Scott76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Kenosha Wisconsin Posts: 71	Re: Steering column rebuild question Anyone know whether our gen trucks have the 'key presence switch'? My fasten set belt light stays on all the time, even with the vehicle off and the key out of the ignition. The senor on the retractor is not hooked up, but it still seems strange to me that it would stay lit even turned off and with the key out.

03-20-2016, 03:57 PM	#14
rgunlock Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tomball, Texas Posts: 1,592	Re: Steering column rebuild question Its been a while since I posted this question, but I did get the Jeep steering coupler boot. Came as a kit. The parts appeared to fit fine. The boot looks pretty good although I kind of mangled the plate in the base of the boot trying to get it over the pin in the shaft. I suspect that there is a better way to go about that job. While I had the column apart, I ended up replacing the ignition switch, turn signal switch assembly and lower column bearings. Attached Images __________________ Rick 78 GMC K15 SWB, 350/NV4500/NP205/4.10s Project Hazel 71 GMC C25 350/TH400 - Project Angie 59 Chevy SWB Stepside (next in line? Not sure now ) 2001 GMC Sierra K2500



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