Need help with my steering column

[drewbert41]

So I need to replace my turn signal switch and when I went to remove my steering wheel I discovered that I am missing a few things in the column.
I know for sure I am missing the retaining nut and the pressure plate but, I could be missing even more. Do any of you have step by step pictures of part removal? I would hate to have to buy a new steering column because I am just missing a few small parts.


Another thing, I removed my turn signal switch and the part # on it is d-8-67. I am not having any luck finding one to buy. Could someone help me get the right part? Non-tilt.

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

First one is the box top off the turn signal actuator. Fit like a glove in my 3 ott... Little swivel pin took some coersion but it went in with a couple light taps on a brass punch.. Sorry about the quality of the other pics. I don't have my laptop, so I'm taking pics on my phone off the screen of my camera....lol

[drewbert41]

So you don't have a pressure plate either? Guess that is only newer trucks?

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Not sure what you mean by pressure plate... The wheel is just held to the shaft with a nut and washer...3 screws hold the turn signal and upper bearing assembly to the first collar. Between those two pieces is just a rubber grommet on a plastic washer that's keyed into the column. Next is the shift collar, then another keyed plastic washer, then a steel washer... "Pressure" in the column is maintained by a set of springs in the engine bay, just below the shift linkages on the shaft...

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Make sure you unplug the airbag...

[drewbert41]

I assumed I was going to run into one of these and bought the special tool for its removal.

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Ah. Never knew what it was called.... I usually called it "THAT f#&@$!π* thing" lol... PITA to be sure...wasn't being a smart@$$ with the airbag comment... I looked in the Haynes manual to see if I could figure out what you were searching for, and it was in the safety section at the beginning of the chapter..... SAFETY FIRST!!!!!

[drewbert41]

So our trucks did not come with them?

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

Nope. None that I'm aware of... Nice thing about these ol birds.... Hardley anything you can't fix with a set of wrenches and a hammer.... Long before "model specific tools" .....

[drewbert41]

The turn signal switch you mentioned does not have the same hazard switch/button.

Will it still fit?

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...194_0164214130

Mine has the little red tab that says hazard and this one is circular.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by drewbert41

I assumed I was going to run into one of these and bought the special tool for its removal.

The picture looks to be a tilt column....

LockDoc

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The replacement has a different 4 way. There are 2 round pieces, a spring & screw.
The connector is different also. You will need an adapter or cut the wires & splice in the old one.

[drewbert41]

I am going to cut and splice anyways because I rewired the whole truck and hooked up my column with spade connectors.

So it will fit then? Want to make sure before I order it.

[drewbert41]

good to go then?

[drewbert41]

I think I am going to go with GMCPauls turn signal switch. It is cheaper and same as original. Anyone else buy one of these?

[raggedjim]

That plate is only on 73 up that lock the steering column when you turn off the ignition. Your truck never had that plate.

Rg

[drewbert41]

Thanks, I was making sure because I do not have the original column.

[Dagr8npwrfloz]

As I understand it the little red hazard button was 68 only. Napa doesn't carry the red button one because the later black button was used on multiple models of cars/trucks, and is virtually identical save for a couple of differences. One being the color/shape of the hazard button and the other being the wiring connector. (As per Napa guy) However if you order the unit for 68 pickup, it comes with the above mentioned adapter in the box that clipped right into my harness. The hazard button, although different, fit well, and works flawlessly... I'd say if the other one is cheaper, shipped, and is OE for the 68 its the logical choice. The multiple connectors under the dash are somewhat unsightly. But....Sadly....My ol truck is never going to be an all original showpiece so the convenience of getting it here in town and at that moment, outweighed price points or authenticity....

[drewbert41]

So I guess my column is a 68 since it has the red hazard switch. I replaced it with the one from GMC Paul's and hazards/ turn signals work great. However, my steering wheel is a later model one so I bought an old 67-68 one to get it back to original.

When I took the later model one off and installed the 67-68 one the horn button does not make contact with anything so it will not snap in place. I purchased the nut and washer I was missing and I have way more threads showing that the guy with the blue steering wheel above does.

So I take it I am missing a grommet or bushing or something in the column. Sucks to take it all apart again. Does anyone have an exploded view?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by drewbert41

So I guess my column is a 68 since it has the red hazard switch. I replaced it with the one from GMC Paul's and hazards/ turn signals work great. However, my steering wheel is a later model one so I bought an old 67-68 one to get it back to original.

When I took the later model one off and installed the 67-68 one the horn button does not make contact with anything so it will not snap in place. I purchased the nut and washer I was missing and I have way more threads showing that the guy with the blue steering wheel above does.

So I take it I am missing a grommet or bushing or something in the column. Sucks to take it all apart again. Does anyone have an exploded view?

The nut is not screwed on all the way in the picture above. Here is a picture of the parts that fit below and above the steering wheel. The metal cup is what holds the horn button in place. The horn button should have a rubber grommet/bushing on it.

LockDoc

[drewbert41]

I've got everything pictured and my button does have the rubber ring. Seems maybe it is in the wrong order?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by drewbert41

I've got everything pictured and my button does have the rubber ring. Seems maybe it is in the wrong order?

The cancelling cam goes under the steering wheel with the tower sticking up through the hole in the steering wheel, the metal disk goes inside the steering wheel with the dome side up, the metal cup sits on top of the metal disk and the plastic piece with the three screws goes inside the metal cup. Make sure that the metal inside the steering wheel hub is clean and not rusty, that is where the ground contact is made to activate the horn relay. When you tighten the three screws up you have to make sure that the metal disk is not pinched between the plastic and the steering wheel hub. If it is the horn will either not honk at all or it will honk all the time.....

EDIT: I forgot to mention that there are two different metal cups, one is deeper than the other one so you may have the wrong cup.

LockDoc

[drewbert41]

I am thinking my cancelling cam with the tower is on top instead of underneath the wheel like you said it should be. I will report back!

Thanks as always for your help Leon.

[drewbert41]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

The cancelling cam goes under the steering wheel with the tower sticking up through the hole steering wheel, the metal disk goes inside the steering wheel with the dome side up, the metal cup sits on top of the metal disk and the plastic piece with the three screws goes inside the metal cup. Make sure that the metal inside the steering wheel hub is clean and not rusty, that is where the ground contact is made to activate the horn relay. When you tighten the three screws up you have to make sure that the metal disk is not pinched between the plastic and the steering wheel hub. If it is the horn will either not honk at all or it will honk all the time.....

EDIT: I forgot to mention that there are two different metal cups, one is deeper than the other one so you may have the wrong cup.

LockDoc

I followed all of your directions and it is the same. Did not notice the note about the deeper metal cup before. I am swapping from a later wheel back to the original so this makes sense. Thanks.

[drewbert41]

I have looked all over the web for the horn button cup and all things I can find say they are the same for 60-72