Turn signal lever/switch problems

[Slonaker]

I have an '86 Silverado with the cruise/turn signal/ washers/wipers/dimmer all on the same stalk. Last year it got difficult (almost impossible) to push my turn signal lever down to signal a left turn. The lever eventually broke off. I assumed it was a problem with the switch, so I replaced it (new AC Delco part) and the lever, stalk, or whatever you want to call it (aftermarket from the HELP! section). That made it work better for a few days (left and right requiring equal amounts of force to engage), and then it was difficult to push down to signal left again.

I pulled my column apart yesterday to tighten the tilt mechanism and try to fix the problem with using the left turn signal. I found that the left turn signal was difficult to push down because the black wire for the cruise control had worked its way between the stalk and the plastic housing for the column. Does anyone have pics of how that wire is supposed to be routed? I put it back together last night, moving it to another spot so that it did not interfere with anything, and it had already started working its way back by the time I got to work this morning.

Also, do others with this same stalk have minor difficulty getting the turn signals to come on? Even with the black cruise control wire pushed out of the way, it does not easily turn the left or right signal on. When I push on the lever, I have to push harder than seems natural to get it to click into place. It feels like there is a lot of flex in the whole assembly, like it is a cheap plastic part. No other vehicle that I have ever driven was like this, GM or not, so I suspect something is wrong. I can't find anything wrong, and the switch and lever are both new. I don't have access to anything else with this setup, so I don't know if it is normal.

Slonaker

[Matt_305]

My parts truck and 1985 Pontiac Parisienne (as well as its parts car) also make good use of the "wonderwand" as I like to call it and neither of them seem to have this problem. Therefore I'm guessing it is fixable, I wish I could offer how but am stumped on that one.

[Slonaker]

I'm wondering if something is worn in the column,or if the aftermarket stalk (wonderwand ) is the problem. Maybe it is not as well made as the original style. I would really hate to replace it again...

Slonaker

[Slonaker]

I took everything apart on Sunday and had it all working. Here it is Wednesday, and I have to push so hard to get the left blinker to come on that I'm afraid I'll break the thing off again. This is really frustrating.

Slonaker