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Turn signal replacement [message #362901] Thu, 18 March 2021 14:12 Go to next message
Duce Apocalypse is currently offline  Duce Apocalypse   United States
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How do you get this sucker in? Does the steering column have to be dropped?

73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
[GMCnet] Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362902 is a reply to message #362901] Thu, 18 March 2021 16:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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The steering wheel will need to be removed.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 12:13 PM Shan Rose wrote:

> How do you get this sucker in? Does the steering column have to be
> dropped?
> --
> 73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362904 is a reply to message #362902] Thu, 18 March 2021 18:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Duce Apocalypse is currently offline  Duce Apocalypse   United States
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sgltrac wrote on Thu, 18 March 2021 14:11
The steering wheel will need to be removed.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 12:13 PM Shan Rose wrote:

> How do you get this sucker in? Does the steering column have to be
> dropped?
> --
> 73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:

Crap.


73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362907 is a reply to message #362901] Thu, 18 March 2021 20:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
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A good set of instructions for dismantling the steering column is here:

https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Steering-column-rebuild.pdf

Once you upgrade the turn-signal switch, the crisp operation of the new switch makes it feel like you are driving a new vehicle! Very Happy

FYI the switch with the extra contacts for turning lights is less expensive!

Fishing the cable down inside the column is not too bad. Use the old cable to pull a fish wire up inside the column. Then use that wire to pull the new cable assembly back down.


Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362908 is a reply to message #362901] Thu, 18 March 2021 20:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
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Yes Sir, column needs to be unbolted from dash and laid on seat then remove black bracket to unsnap the plastic wire cover.





Duce Apocalypse wrote on Thu, 18 March 2021 15:12
How do you get this sucker in? Does the steering column have to be dropped?


C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee

[Updated on: Thu, 18 March 2021 20:33]

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Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362910 is a reply to message #362901] Thu, 18 March 2021 21:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
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I was able to fish the turn-switch cable down the steering column without taking down the column.

But I have 45+ years experience of fishing cables through vehicles... its all in the way you hold your tongue!


Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: Turn signal replacement [message #362913 is a reply to message #362901] Fri, 19 March 2021 02:54 Go to previous message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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I do not mean to demean or correct Chuck in any way, but sometimes there is more than one way to accomplish a task. I have replaced that switch on several GMCs and other GM Vehicles. I watched but did not assist, when Bruce replaced his at a GMC rally. I also replaced one in an Auto Zone parking lot in under 30 minutes. You could possibly do this in less time than it will take me to type this note.

You will need a couple of special tools. A steering wheel puller and a special lock plate spring compressor. Both are available for free loan from AutoZone. Also the switch is usually in stock at Autozone for under $30.00. You will need a deep well socket to remove the nut holding the steering wheel on and another one too turn the borrowed tools. I do not remember the sizes but it is probably about 3/4" and some thing smaller for the tools. Just bring a 3/8 drive deep well socket set. You also will need a larger size Phillips screwdriver Probably #2 or #3. Also a set of diagonal pliers to cut off the connector on the old switch cable.

One gotya' before you start. The connector on the new cable and the old cable might not be the same. The two types look identical but the spacing between the pins are not the same. I suggest that you unplug the cable on the lower steering column and make sure the new cable will plug in. If it fits then proceed with switch replacement.

The difference between the two connectors is the plastic piece that holds the pins. You can pull the pins out of the old and new ones and install the old plastic piece on the new cable. There are little tabs on each pin to press with a very small screw driver to get them to release and slide out. The last one I did was at Chuck Boyd's house on a steering column he was building. I also saw an adapter cable included in the box for one of these I bought, but I do not remember the brand and I did not use it.

Switch Replacement:

Remove the nut holding the wheel on and install the wheel puller. Turn the puller main shaft and the wheel will easily pop off. Install the spring compression tool on the steering shaft and turn. Remove the circular clip holding the lock plate to the shaft and the remove the tool. The plate can now be removed. Remove the turn signal lever (one screw) and remove the two screws holding the switch to the steering column assembly. Go to the bottom of the steering column unplug the cable and off the connector. Tape a STRONG string to the bundle of wires going to the switch. Now pull the switch and it will easily come out leaving you a string in it's former path. Attach the new connector and cable to the string and tape the connector flat against the cable. Tape it as tight as possible against the cable. Now pull the string. If it gets stuck, stop, pull it back out, tape that connection even tighter and try again. Everything from there on is to just install the removed pieces in the reverse order of when you took them off.

Good Luck. It is really easier than it sounds. I am a terrible typist. Please excuse any typos that you find.



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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