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Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281642] Tue, 07 July 2015 11:16 Go to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Hey Chuck (in case you didn't know who I ment)

I was recently on the phone with an owner in San Antonio (TX) and he allowed that he cannot even budge the shift level.
He is not a proficient wrench (by his own judgement) but has access to a good man. He is going to drive his coach to the shop by using a reach rod to the transmission.

It is my guess that this mechanic will disconnect the cable at the lower steering column to separate the issues, but if it is in the column lock, how big an issue is this likely to be?? I have been into the manuals and can't find any discussion of the column lock at all.

I did give him your name as some he or the mechanic could call if help is needed.
(He also said that he might like to go to an updated steering column.)

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281651 is a reply to message #281642] Tue, 07 July 2015 12:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Matt, the "column" lock only locks the steering wheel tension spring holes with the little pin pushed by the spring on the back side of the key tumbler. Y If he can turn the key and wheel more than likely the cable is the problem. He should be able to pull the cotter pin and take the cable loose from the lower column and tell which.






Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 07 July 2015 12:16
Hey Chuck (in case you didn't know who I ment)

I was recently on the phone with an owner in San Antonio (TX) and he allowed that he cannot even budge the shift level.
He is not a proficient wrench (by his own judgement) but has access to a good man. He is going to drive his coach to the shop by using a reach rod to the transmission.

It is my guess that this mechanic will disconnect the cable at the lower steering column to separate the issues, but if it is in the column lock, how big an issue is this likely to be?? I have been into the manuals and can't find any discussion of the column lock at all.

I did give him your name as some he or the mechanic could call if help is needed.
(He also said that he might like to go to an updated steering column.)

Matt



C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281653 is a reply to message #281651] Tue, 07 July 2015 12:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member

Matt, if it is in the column it could be the knuckle joint lower housing broke or the shift tower housing. The lower knuckle is interchangeable with the new type, only difference is the cast on tab for the dimmer Rod. The lower shift tower can be used but you will need to do some grinding on the inside.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion/p47937-dsc00284.html


C Boyd wrote on Tue, 07 July 2015 13:29
Matt, the "column" lock only locks the steering wheel tension spring holes with the little pin pushed by the spring on the back side of the key tumbler. Y If he can turn the key and wheel more than likely the cable is the problem. He should be able to pull the cotter pin and take the cable loose from the lower column and tell which.






Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 07 July 2015 12:16
Hey Chuck (in case you didn't know who I ment)

I was recently on the phone with an owner in San Antonio (TX) and he allowed that he cannot even budge the shift level.
He is not a proficient wrench (by his own judgement) but has access to a good man. He is going to drive his coach to the shop by using a reach rod to the transmission.

It is my guess that this mechanic will disconnect the cable at the lower steering column to separate the issues, but if it is in the column lock, how big an issue is this likely to be?? I have been into the manuals and can't find any discussion of the column lock at all.

I did give him your name as some he or the mechanic could call if help is needed.
(He also said that he might like to go to an updated steering column.)

Matt



C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281678 is a reply to message #281642] Tue, 07 July 2015 17:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SteveH   United States
Messages: 13
Registered: June 2010
Location: San Antonio, TX
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Hi Matt, thanks for posting this, and Chuck thanks for the reply.

I just removed the shift cable cotter pin at the column. The shift lever moves freely with the cable disconnected. I did notice that the shift indicator is no longer moving along with the shift lever. Does the indicator need the cable to be connected, or as I suspect, is this a separate problem? Chuck, if I need to take the column apart to repair the indicator then I may need your advice again.

Matt, I've ordered a new cable, but don't expect it to be here before your SA visit. It looks easy enough for me to replace though.

Thanks again,
Steve


"Whoosh"; '75 Glenbrook/Clasco, CoOp roller cam, Manny tranny, 3.55 lsd, Bob Stone hydroboost w 80mm front calipers & TSM mid/rear disks, MicroLevel
Steve Hendricks
San Antonio, TX
Re: Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281681 is a reply to message #281678] Tue, 07 July 2015 18:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
The dash indicator has a small spring loaded cable that goes from the indicator across a stud pin behind the panel, to the column. It is attached with a Phillips screw on the lower column at the dash. It is in a slotted hole and is adjustable. I have soaked cables with penetrating oil and got it back working.




Whoosh wrote on Tue, 07 July 2015 18:50
Hi Matt, thanks for posting this, and Chuck thanks for the reply.

I just removed the shift cable cotter pin at the column. The shift lever moves freely with the cable disconnected. I did notice that the shift indicator is no longer moving along with the shift lever. Does the indicator need the cable to be connected, or as I suspect, is this a separate problem? Chuck, if I need to take the column apart to repair the indicator then I may need your advice again.

Matt, I've ordered a new cable, but don't expect it to be here before your SA visit. It looks easy enough for me to replace though.

Thanks again,
Steve



C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: Shift problem for the Steering column Guru... [message #281682 is a reply to message #281678] Tue, 07 July 2015 18:25 Go to previous message
John  Sharpe is currently offline  John Sharpe   United States
Messages: 71
Registered: February 2006
Location: Porter, TX
Karma: 0
Member
Separate problem. The cable for the indicator is clipped to the shift bowl on steering column.

John Sharpe
Porter, TX
78 Eleganza II, TBI
40 Ford Panel, TPI
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