[firstyearta]

I have a tilt column out of a '72 LeMans (floor shift) that has a few issues. First, the rod that runs down to the ignition is bent and may need to be replaced or bent back to shape (it was stored without the ignition switch and got damaged). Also, when turning the key there is almost no movement at all in this rod. A little but maybe 1/4" up and down.

I started to take the column apart last night, but admittedly, I am really not sure how to. I have the signal switch pulled up and partially out and the key switch removed. I pulled the 3 screws out and now the top collar is loose but will not come off. It is still attached to something that connects to the ignition rod (as it moves when I pull the collar up), but I can't figure out how to proceed. Maybe this is a job for a professional but I thought I could probably figure it out.

Can anyone help with this?
Also, if I have to replace the rod, does anyone know where I can locate one?

[2002Z4CSS]

Might as welll just remove the turn signal switch all together to gain more working room. The ignition lock cylinder will also need to be removed if not already. Sounds like the rack gear went past the large tooth on the gear that attaches to the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed the gear inside inned to be removed with some needle nose pliers before the upper lock housing will come off.

[firstyearta]

The lock cylinder is out. What gear and from where does it need to be removed?

[Held for Ransom]

http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=725891

Contact George (GStage1) if having too many problems or needing parts.

[firstyearta]

I read through the article in the link provided but I'm still stuck. The directions indicate that after the 3 screws are removed you will be able to remove the collar. But, it will not come off. It is still is somehow attached. It will lift about 1/2 to 3/4 and then stops. As I pull up you can see the plastic ignition gear rotates and then gets caught on the rack and stops it from coming off. When lifting up the collar, if you look inside the lock cylinder hole, you can see the ignition turning when lifting. Am I missing something?

[A Schab]

Pull the plastic gear that you can see off of the shaft that it rides on. The the collar will slide off after it is released from the rack.

[firstyearta]

How would I go about pulling this off? I can just barley see it under the collar and it does not seem to move other than the rotating motion.

[firstyearta]

Anyone else have any ideas?

[azkeebler]

On the shaft, you may still have the bearing retainer installed. May be a beveled washer with slots where the spring that put pressure on the lockplate was. Just pry it out. Otherwise, a couple taps, and it should come right off.

Have you removed the tilt lever?

Does it have cruise control?

Try to feed as much of the turn signal wiring up from the bottom that you can.

The ignition rod is normally bent some. I may have one in my parts bin.

[bluebeast]

I found it was just as easy to remove the upper collar to access that rod that connected to the safety neutral switch.The cancell cam will come out with a little fanagling.I just replaced my turn signal switch yesterday

[firstyearta]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try again today. If I don't get it, I'll see if I can shoot some video to show the issue better.

[firstyearta]

Okay I finally figured it out. The only other part that goes through the collar is the column lock stud. This is what was hanging up. There was corrosion around it and it was somewhat fused to the collar. I had to take a drift and "help" it along. Once I did that, the collar came right off. That also was the source of my problem. Because the lock stud would not move up and down the spring came off the gear and the gear became misaligned thus not creating any movement at the ignition rod when the key switch was turned. So, that issue is solved but I do still need to locate a unbent rod. Am I right to assume a tilt column uses a different rod than a non-tilt?

So azkeebler, if you have a spare rod, I'd be interested in purchasing it from you.

Also, when turning the key switch shaft, right about in the middle of the turn there is a dead spot in the gear. It's very slight but it just stops turning for just a tiny area, is this a concern enough to consider change the gear?

[firstyearta]

Upon further inspection, I can see the plastic gear is broken so I am going to need another one of those too. Anyone know if these are available?

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by firstyearta

Anyone know if these are available?

Sector gear is available from used GM parts dealers for the "correct" one and from the Help! parts section for one that will work just fine (4 teeth vs. 5 that GM originals have - no difference in operation).

[firstyearta]

I remembered I had an auto column shift tilt out in the junk pile. I ripped it apart tonight and was able to find all the parts I need to whip this one into shape.

[2002Z4CSS]

Originally Posted by firstyearta

How would I go about pulling this off? I can just barley see it under the collar and it does not seem to move other than the rotating motion.

Pull it off the shaft using needle nose pliers and straight out. It will come out. I have rebuild 100's of these GM columns both tilt and non tilt and never had the sector gear not come off.

[bluebeast]

Originally Posted by firstyearta

I remembered I had an auto column shift tilt out in the junk pile. I ripped it apart tonight and was able to find all the parts I need to whip this one into shape.

I got a extra rod I can give you if you still need,I'll see if I can get the gear out also.
PM me if interested

[azkeebler]

Originally Posted by firstyearta

So azkeebler, if you have a spare rod, I'd be interested in purchasing it from you.

Sorry I didn't get back with you, firstyear, but the rod i have is the longer one. Go with bluebeast if you don't have one in your parts column.