64 A body steering wheel is noisy
 

Not sure how to word the title (for future searches) but Ramblin Rose (my Tempest driver) has started making noise in the top of the steering column when I make a turn.

Even prior to the noise (that has started this past weekend while on a 350 mile road trip), at this point, when I signal left, the lever doesn't fully return after I turn. The blinking stops but the uni-brow light stays on dimly. When I signal right, the blinking event quits before I finish the turn and the uni-brow light never glows.

On a related (?) note, the blinker lever is saggy and I think the cancel control/cam may be worn out.

Before I remove the steering wheel and figger out the problem(s), can you guys offer any parts that I will probably need in this exploration/resolution? Based on other threads I have read here, there is possibly a column disassembly required to replace stuff... :-/

It sounds like the turn signal switch is getting worn out. I think it is easier to pull the column out to change the switch, especially if its a column shifter. You can just drop it down by removing the brace under the dash loosening the one on the firewall. But once you've done that, there's not much left to get it out.

Yep, it's a column-shift automatic.

Are the wear-prone steering column internals available at PY / in the aftermarket?

Yep, you can get turn signal switches. They have the bearing that supports the steering shaft, the switch, harness... all in one assembly. They pop up on ebay too. The column shift ones have a little bulb for the shift indicator. The manual trans ones don't. I remember having to notch out the end of the column tube to make it fit a '64. no big deal. There is a thread about that on here somewhere.

Thanks!

You might want to take a quick look on ebay for an NOS one first. I bought the repro, modified it so it would fit the column, didn't work right (brake light problems). Regreased my original and put it back in.

Grease the original like Ron said. I sprayed some Lithium white grease in there and that worked without taking it all apart.

Thanks, guys.

In addition to the noise, I am also having front turn signal / dash signal indicator problems/ quirkyness so it seems like there may be a frayed wire in there somewhere.

To Ron's suggestion, might anyone have a MPC listing for the OEM p/n that I can use for my search?

I believe your looking for 382060.

Even better:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Pontiac...9e58f9&vxp=mtr

I just took my steering wheel off last weekend to take inventory of what I need to get the horn working again. Somebody in the past put a 69-74 Chevy sport wheel on my car (complete with Chevy cancelling cam, etc.), so I can't help you with part numbers; but it's not a tough job.

My saggy turn signal lever was fixed by simply tightening the lever at the canceling cam.

I bought my turn signal switch and cancel cam from Ames and didn't have any problems. I have a write up in the archives.

You just have to make a small notch in the steering column for the new part. 2 minute job with a dremel. I would wager a guess it will fix your turn signal issue. My turn signal switch was just shot and had all kinds of goofy electrical problems.

This is great stuff guys, thanks!

Looking at the two NOS options, am I correct in ASSuming that I will need to paint the collar to match the coulmn?

I can't think of any reason that you'd need to replace the collar.

Agreed, but is it just me, or do the NOS offerings INCLUDE that collar?

Check for yourself and LMK what you think.

I'd encourage you to diagnose the problem before buying replacement parts. Although the ebay kit does include a new collar, I don't believe those parts are connected - nothing's stopping you from re-using the old one.

Take the steering wheel off this weekend, and look at what works. The contacts for the turn signal are right on top - that's the first place I'd put a test light.

Will-do. Thanks, Chris.

Another 382060 on ebay. "Bill"!


http://www.ebay.com/itm/64-Pontiac-G...item3ce9e723bd

Speaking from experience, do NOT use white lithium grease on anything that you want to remain mobile. It will set up into cement within a year or two and will offer no lubrication, only crumbling grit and locked up compontents. Use Vaseline or wheel bearing grease (the light synthetic stuff) on your steering column bearings. The only thing white lith grease is good for is coating battery terminals.