1970 Steering Column

[Stephen B.]

Here's the next problem in "column-gate." The ignition switch sector teeth are jumping out of the switch rod and rack assembly. I've tried reducing friction with grease, re-tensioned the switch rack preload spring, lubricating and the ignition switch. Part of the ignition switch sector broke during the the attempted repairs; however it works just as bad as it did before. Any ideas?

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

I think that you need a new plastic sector. With a missing tooth you might not have sufficient engagement with the rack allowing the sector to skip.

Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Jim,

I appreciate your input and have a new complete sector system on order. I broke the plastic gears trying to make them work. They did not work before I broke off a tooth. I feel there may be another problem causing the tightness.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

It's been awhile since I took mine apart, and it will be hard to diagnose this problem without actually having the column in hand.

There shouldn't be a lot of resistance to actuating the ignition switch down on the column. The sector shaft and other "fits" in the column mechanism are not exactly precision quality...in fact, as I recall, they were downright sloppy. If the switch has excessive resistance, the sector gear will deflect enough under load to create sufficient clearance for disengagement. The solution is to reduce the deflection (probably not an easy task unless you're a skilled machinist) OR reduce the force required to actuate the switch.

I believe I would try moving the actuating rod by hand (gear removed) to see if the switch is the source of the resistance...you may have to replace the switch if you can't get it to move freely.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

I've moved the rod with the sector gear out. It moves somewhat freely. I wonder if I should remove the switch and work on it? The column has not been in the car since at least the 1980's. Maybe the switch needs lubricating?

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

If the rod and switch moves freely, then the source of the resistance is not in the switch. I wouldn't mess with the switch...your problem is somewhere else between the end of the rod and the key cylinder.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

I apologize for taking so long to reply to all of the answers I received. I appreciate any help one gives me. I've been delayed working on the column due to studying for the bar exam I'm taking in a week and a half. I even had to miss my beloved trip to Kissimmee last month.

Now back to the steering column. I finally pulled the column back out of the car. It appears that the shaft is 3/4" of an inch shorter than another column I have out of another '70. I've made various measurements and do not have enough shaft to install the collar that the steering wheel screws to. Here's the pictures. The red column is the offending part. As you can see the black column is about 3/4" longer at the top and 3/4" longer overall.

Thanks again for your help.

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Here is a scan of a 1969-76 Corvette standard steering column head. The end of the steering shaft should extend 1.8 inches from the turn signal housing.

The only way that I can figure that the steering shaft can be compressed into the steering column would be that the small round wire ring that retains the locking plate must be missing. Although the 100# spring underneath the canceling cam and locking plate should be pushing those parts up past the housing.

There should be an upper bearing that is encased in the bearing housing. On the steering shaft there should be two small round wire rings. One should be below the bearing (toward the engine) up against that bearing inner race. This ring would prevent the steering shaft from pulling up toward the driver. The other ring would be on the driver side of the bearing. It should be half way up the splined part of the steering shaft. It should retain the locking plate, turn signal cancelling cam, spring, and thrust washer.

Hope that this helps,
Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Jim,

Thanks for your reply. I checked my columns. The black (correct) column is around 1.8 inches; whereas, the red column is 1.25 inches.

My only thought is to compress the crush area on the column in my press. I just wanted some other thoughts before I compress it.

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

There is something misassembled and/or missing that is allowing your steering shaft to be compressed into the steering column. The shaft will have to be pulled back out by roughly 0.50 inch to get it back to its original length. The entire steering shaft length should be 39.7 inches. Taking the column apart and pulling it back out will not hurt the steering shaft.

If you try compressing the steering column to match the steering shaft, you will absolutely ruin the entire steering column.

A picture with the round wire ring, locking plate, cancelling cam, spring, and thrust washer in the order that they are assembled into the column would be helpful. Also a picture of the steering column upper end with the turn signal switch and upper bearing might be useful in diagnosing the problem.

Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

My steering shaft only measures 39 inches, and I don't understand how unless it's the wrong shaft. The shaft is solid metal.

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

No it is not solid metal. It is made in two pieces. A solid shaft where the steering wheel attaches and a hollow tubular steering shaft that extends out of the lower end of the column. They meet and overlap up inside the steering column. The are closely formed so that they telescope over each other in a severe frontal collision. Plastic is injected at the junction of the two parts to hold it at that 39.7 inch overall length.

The following pictures show the plastic injection locations for the steering shaft and also the shift tube.

Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Well then I need to stretch my shaft. Can this been done safely?

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Yes, it can be pulled back to its original length. There is not a safety concern. There is plenty of overlap between the two shafts. Just a steady pull. Do not hammer it back, you might damage the steering shaft bearings.
Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column

Can it be stretched while still in the column jacket, or do I need to take the shaft out?