Steering column jacket won't stay in place

[ken4444]

The wire for the PRNDL indicator clips on to the "steering column jacket", as mentioned in this post:

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=16647.0

My problem is that the steering column jacket just spins and flops around; it's not firmly attached to anything. It has a couple of tabs on the end near the steering wheel, but it's not clear if they're broken. Can anyone offer any advice about how to get it re-attached or how it's supposed to lock into another part? 

My worry is that fixing this is going to require disassembling the steering column which is going to require more parts be replaced while I have the thing apart

thanks!

[Ronno6]

The clip at the end of the wire does indeed just clip onto the lower edge shifter collar, held in place by friction.

Is your collar not part of the column shifter??

[ken4444]

The clip at the end of the wire does indeed just clip onto the lower edge shifter collar, held in place by friction.

Right, that's how it is.

Is your collar not part of the column shifter??

I guess it is supposed to be, but it just flops around and doesn't rotate when I shift.

It may not matter anyhow because the PRNDL letters don't seem to line up well with the actual gears of the trans, so it's probably a non-issue. Even if I did get the indicator to move, it wouldn't always be pointing to the right letter anyhow.

[VileZambonie]

Post a pic or video

[Ronno6]

The clip at the end of the wire does indeed just clip onto the lower edge shifter collar, held in place by friction.

Right, that's how it is.

Is your collar not part of the column shifter??

 

I guess it is supposed to be, but it just flops around and doesn't rotate when I shift.

It may not matter anyhow because the PRNDL letters don't seem to line up well with the actual gears of the trans, so it's probably a non-issue. Even if I did get the indicator to move, it wouldn't always be pointing to the right letter anyhow.

Is your shift lever not inserted into the collar/jacket??

[ken4444]

Post a pic or video

Perfect idea. This particular problem seems to be confusing everyone

Here's a video showing the exact problem twice:

https://youtu.be/hoeapIrq1IA

[Ronno6]

Great vid.
I just had my column out.
Mine was not a 2 piece job like yours, at least not 2 separate pieces.
Dunno............

[ken4444]

This looks like the part:

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/gm-buick-cadillac-chevrolet-oldsmobile-pontiac/bowl59-lower-shroud-tilt.php

From the above site, "This plastic extension has 4 tabs that snap into the metal cast shift housing for automatic transimssion design columns using a 2 piece shift bowl.."

[Ronno6]

Ahh. Mine is not a tilt column.
Looks like your tabs have lose their snap-in barbs.

[VileZambonie]

Quick fix, put it back in and make an index mark on the bottom side. Pop it loose again and hot glue it in. just make sure nothing is interfering with its normal operation.

[jetmech]

I can verify tomorrow but I am certain the plastic fingers on the collar are supposed to snap into the metal shift housing and hold it firmly. Try to find the corresponding groves inside the shift housing so it will snap in. Sometimes the fingers are broken but yours looks to be good. The metal clip with the wire going to the shift indicator slides onto the plastic collar and is held in place teeth that grip onto the collar. Earlier ones had a small screw holding it and the collar was slotted which allowed for adjustment of the indicator. Yours just grips the collar and can be adjusted by its position on the collar. Hope this helps.

[Ronno6]

The first ringer appears to be broken.
The second one appears to be in tack.