Steering Column Issues

[jafo]

Just got a '79 CJ7 . The steering column has an issue where the ignition ket cylinder won't rotate back to the lock position. It has a lever on the same side as the key cylinder. Jog my memory, but I think I remember this is similar to a Ford column and you have to push that lever down to get the key into the lock position right? If this is the case, the lever won't move up or down in or out. Ideas? I have had columns apart before but not one with this lever. I also took the ignition switch off to double check that it wasn't that and it's not.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

It's a Chevy colume.
Should be a lever just below the ign bezel you push down as you turn off the ign.
LG

 

[jafo]

It's a Chevy colume.
Should be a lever just below the ign bezel you push down as you turn off the ign.
LG

Ok.

It's not pushing down so I guess it's time to start taking it apart.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Will only push down, when you go to shut off ign.
It's pretty stiff, might use an air-hose to clean the area out some.
LG

 

[jafo]

Will only push down, when you go to shut off ign.
It's pretty stiff, might use an air-hose to clean the area out some.
LG

Got the horn button off and am getting ready to pull the wheel. I see some broken plastic rolling around bottom half of column. Stay tuned.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Bet that could be your turn-sig.
Sure hope you disconectted the battery POS(+)cable. You deal'n with 'hot' circuits.
LG

 

[jafo]

Bet that could be your turn-sig.
Sure hope you disconectted the battery POS(+)cable. You deal'n with 'hot' circuits.
LG

First thing I did. Been into a few columns before. I got her torn down to the bowl. The plastic was from the filler ring the fits between the steering wheel and the column bowl. The turn signal harness is intact. All the parts except that filler piece looks intact.

I think the previous owner tried lubricating the internal parts through the turn signal lever opening. There is a layer of sticky gummy throughout the column. I'll have to get a can of electrical contact spray tomorroe and clean everything after I finish terring it down.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

If it's a amber colored paste. It's OEM, as I found the same thing the first time I tore into mine.
LG

 

[jafo]

If it's a amber colored paste. It's OEM, as I found the same thing the first time I tore into mine.
LG

It was globbed up bad. Half a can of electrical contact cleaner then a good dose of penetrating fluid and it loosened right up. Works better everytime I use it. I sprayed some lithium grease in there also.

On to the next....,

 

[Lumpy Grits]

All I use is Silicon spray. Dirt won't stick and foul up contacts.
LG

 

[jafo]

All I use is Silicon spray. Dirt won't stick and foul up contacts.
LG

Oh not on the lever, I meant the tilt steering ball area and key cylinder area. Not a lot either. It really should be a good grease, but this will do. I just left the lever with penetrating oil on it. No grease there.