[Maxbaby]

I know this has been posted before but I can't seem to find a FAQ or previous post. I don't know why but the search feature doesn't seem to be working for me.

I have an 88 W150 with the tilt steering. The wheel/column is loose. I need a step-by-step to pull it apart and tighten it up again. I played around with it and got as far as the removal of the turn signal switch, but couldn't seem to figure out how to get the plastic housing off of the rest of the column.

Anyone? Anyone?

 

[martinihenry]

Mine had the same problem. I believe it was accelerated by the previous owner hoisting himself into the rig by grabbing onto the steering wheel, and pulling his fat arse in.

The fix is easy, but it's the disassembly that causes the headache. As you probably know, there are some inverse Torx head bolts about halfway down the column that get loose and cause this issue. Amazingly, there are no lock washers or lock-tite used on them from the factory. When I did mine, I applied some lock-tite and tightened mine down. Totally resolved the issue. Reassembly was a bear. Lots of trial and error, but when it all went back together, the moment was "MAGIC".

I have a gaggle of pictures of the process when I did mine, but I did it so long ago, that I don't remember the actual steps in the process. Another user here had a pretty good write-up of the process, but I can't remember who it was. I might have the procedure he sent me somewhere on my computer at home...I'll have a look-see when I get off of work, and will send it your way if I find it.

To do the job correctly, you'll need some special tools....

1) Steering wheel remover (available at Kragen-type parts stores reasonably cheap. Sounds like you've already got yours off though.)
2) Security Plate remover (this is a device that presses down on the star-shaped security locking plate, and allows you to remove it. Also avaiable at most auto parts stores)
3) Tilt-column pin remover (simple little cheapie tool to pull the pins out of the side of the column. Got mine at Napa for $5.)


Jason

P.S. The search feature didn't work for me either (as is fairly typical). I posted a message about this, and received many helpful replies. I believe the board only displays information for a finite amount of time.

 

[phoenix827]

I need to re-do mine in My S10 again. (no locktite) I am PLANNING on doing a how to on it, but it won't be for a little while. There are some differences but the basic column is the same.

 

[Maxbaby]

I have the security plate retainer tool and the steering wheel puller as well. I read somewhere that the pin can be driven out with a small blunt-tipped punch, but I'll worry about that when I get to the actual job... (getting the extra tools won't be a problem).

So...

Anyone else have the magic set of instructions hidden in their Captain America secret decoder ring

 

[Maxbaby]

...hmmm... nobody talking? Well let's try this...

I have pulled the steering wheel, removed the security plate, removed the turn signal switch and mechanism. I'm left with the plastic housing around the upper part of the steering column being held in place by three torx screws. I removed them, but I can't seem to figure out how to remove the housing. It seems to be held in place by the ignition switch.

Where do I go from here?

 

[Maxbaby]

anyone? anyone??

 

[dbgil]

I have a bunch of pics and some written instructions if you are interested. I have been meaning to do a how to, but there are a couple of steps I still need to put in the procedure.

David

 

[Maxbaby]

Yes, Please... I need a FAQ... I need it soon too...

 

[SeahawkDodge]

I used to have one, but I can't find the link on my computer. Sorry man...
The haynes manual actually has a decent diagram on it for changing the ignition switch.

1. Pull the steering wheel.
2. Remove the lockring, spring and the base plate
3. unscrew the turn signal, then remove the turn signal cam.
4. remove the ignition switch.

You can unscrew the hazard switch and the tilt lever as well.
I am a bit tired now, and i can't remember the rest of the steps, but you basically keep removing things until you can get the socket on them. I didn't fully disassemble my column, I just locktited the bolts and then tightened them all down. The top two were at a funny angle, but I managed to get them out, loctite them and put them back in after considerable cussing.

I hope I helped, but if not then hopefully someone else has more to add.

 

[Maxbaby]

Oh, you're helpin'... we're close... I can feel it... lol... But how do you actually get the ignition switch out? I don't see any screws to remove it... I can't seem to pull it, and I'm not sure what to do from that point on. And what else after that point?

 

[dodgecharger]

Gm columns have a torx screw holding the ignition switch in.Chrylser, if i remember right has a small metal spring loaded clip that you push on with a small screwdriver, then pull out( by hand the ignition switch.) May have to turn the key to the on position to accomplish this.

 

[Maxbaby]

hmm... interesting... where do I look for such a clip? Is it inside the column or is there an access on the side?...

 

[77ramcharger]

The clip is located at the end of the switch..farthest away from where you put the key in. There should be a slot running up and down inside the column near what looks like the end of the cylinder. The key also has to be in the on or run position(can't remember which) or you cannot push in the locking tab.

 

[Maxbaby]

So once I pull out that clip, I take it that the ignition cylinder just slides out? Assuming that's correct (and thanks for telling me about the clip... I wouldn't have known that), then what? Will that plastic housing slide off the end of the steering column?

 

[77ramcharger]

Actually you push the clip in with a small screwdriver, it is a part of the switch unit. Once it is pushed in, then you can slide the switch out. It is just a small spring loaded tab that sticks out of the switch unit. Its been a while since i have been in there, but i am pretty sure that the plastic housing will come off after you get the switch out.

 

[Maxbaby]

Well I'm all excited about trying this... but it's after midnight... gonna have to wait until the morning now. Thanks for that much.

 

[77ramcharger]

I found the section in the FSM.
Insert a thin tool into the slot next to the switch mounting screw boss(right hand slot) and depress spring latch at bottom of slot, which releases lock. Remove lock(Fig. 6)

 

[Maxbaby]

You are a God.

 

[dbgil]

You still need the pics? They were on Village Photos but they apparently removed them? If you have a big e-mail box I can send them to you via e-mail. Sorry I didn't see you post sooner.

David