Steering column

[CABBOTT]

Hey guys I have a slight problem. So today I tackled the ignition switch, lock and tumbler and the turn signal switch. After fighting to reinstall the spring and lock ring by myself I reassembled the rest of the parts. Only problem is now it seems if you grab hold of the steering wheel and pull any direction the center shaft seems to come off center Did I miss something or put something back in incorrectly?

 

[deadfeat]

There is a great you tube video. Search cj ignition lock. There is a tool to compress The column to reinstall the C clip

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[CABBOTT]

Thanks, I guess I should of posted earlier instead of fighting with it. I eventually got it. I used a set of vise grips and two flathead screwdrivers. Pushed the plate down as far as I could by hand then put the vise grips on then pried it down with the drivers. Was pretty but it worked now if I can only figure out the other issue anyone have a loner column :drool:

 

[Jimbos76cj]

What was your original problem? I had this issue with a friend a few weeks ago. His ignition wouldn't return all the way when he let go of the key. The problem 9 out of ten times is the ignition switch on the lower part of the colum is gummed up and sticking. There is no spring in the lock cylinder or upper colum that returns it. Some times the screws will loose on the switch at the bottom and it will move out of adjustment.

Here's my little soap box.. If your going to pull apart some thing like your steering column please 1) get the right tools. That compressor is only a few dollars and 2) read up on how to repair it prior to starting. Last thing you or any one on the road near you needs is your column being messed up and making a involuntary left turn. Honestly I'm surprised you were able to use the vise grips to get it back on that way with out messing up the splines so bad you couldn't get the wheel back on.

 

[deadfeat]

Tool is free to borrow at AutoZone

Sent from my Galaxy S3 with Taptalk 2

 

[CABBOTT]

Again thanks for the replies guys. And jimbo I'm not sure there is anyone more concerned about others safety than myself, hence the reason I pulled the steering column back out in the last post. Believe me safety is the reason this jeep has not been driven on or off road in two years. And not everyone has the "proper tools" at their disposal. I live in a town that only has an orileys, and believe me they don't carry any type of tools to do specialty jobs like columns. And I may be wrong but working on CJ's with out the proper tools either on the trails, side of the road or even out own drive way is part of what makes us the breed of owners we are. Alittle ingenuity and the right attitude can get a lot more done than sitting around saying "damn I need that tool".

 

[CABBOTT]

And yes my original issue was the ignition switch under the dash not letting the cylinder return. But then I decided since the keys will just pull out and the turn signals don't work properly, time to just do it all. And the loose column is just something I may not of caught before but I won't let something that vitally important slip thru without repairs.

 

[Petescj]

Tilt Column Fix - Dale's Jeep Junk

 

[CABBOTT]

Awesome! Thanks Pete!

 

[Petescj]

Awesome! Thanks Pete!

No problem. I kinda lost this thread for a little.

 

[1974cj5]

O'Reilly's does carry the tool to compress the plate in the steering column. They have it in their rental tools as well as for sale in the tool isle.

 

[CABBOTT]

Yeah you would think they would, but unfortunately my store does not