Replacing rack sector for a tilt steering column

[JohnnyPopper]

I promise I searched this section prior to asking 

I got as far as trying to get out the pivot bushing/posts/pin and no go.

Saw a youtube vid of a guy using a bolt with a nut/washer/socket that he used to pull out the pin.

Mine stripped out the nut, think I need a hardened bolt and nut. Can't believe they used such a small thread...

I thought I saw a thread by bd on digging into the steering column but can't find it.

TIA for your help, JP

[bd]

Lisle #19940

or

OTC #7889

or

NAPA #BK 7769243 - although the NAPA variant earned the same complaint that you made.  Maybe it's an example of you get what you pay for.     One user replaced the nut supplied with the tool using a Grade-8 5/16" fine thread nut with good results.  If you're bored, you could fabricate a puller using a long set screw threaded into the end of a drilled and tapped 5/16" bolt.

But as you said, the thread size in the pins is small.  Even an expensive tool will snap the small thread of the puller if you aren't careful.

[JohnnyPopper]

Thanks sooo much bd, you never disappoint!

The Napa and OTC look the same, Lysle looks pretty beefy.

I will have to grab the Napa, need it sooner rather than later. Hope it works...

Thinking about what you warned, I may apply "a little fire Scarecrow"!

Best,
JP

[JohnnyPopper]

bd,

Are there any other parts associated with this?

Looks like a flat springy thing between the body and the sliding part.

[bd]

Yeah!  It slides in next to the whatchamacallit.

[bd]

Oh!  And whatever you do, DON'T lose the thingamajig!!!

[bd]

How-To: Fixing a Sloppy GM Tilt Column

[JohnnyPopper]

Thank you Sir!

[JohnnyPopper]

Well I got the rack and sector out, while there, I manually pulled the rod to the ignition switch to make sure I was on the right track.

No go, also the rod is hanging up when I try to push it back toward the column.

Before disassembly I noticed that the key tumbler was sticking when I tried to return to the lock position. I had to jiggle it fiercely.

That leads me to think the rod/switch assembly in the column is cracking up.

The only thing I have left to check is if the Park/Neutral switch is the culprit.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated. TIA!

[JohnnyPopper]

I concluded it was the switch.

Napa had one in stock (as usual).

Used my come along to pull down the column just enough to see the switch mount.

5/16 slowly, nice they are short bolts.

Went ahead and installed the new rack and sector, lots of lithium on those moving parts as well as the cheesy shaft bearings.

Biggest challenge was compressing the steering wheel spring.

When I was younger I could just use upper body strength to push down and get the snap ring off and on. 

This time I had to MacGyver (nickname BTW) to compress.

Should have taken a picture, but , Done and done!

[bd]

Well, Mr. MacG, glad you got it sorted out and starting like a brand new truck!  I knew you would!  It's a GREAT START to a New Year!  Too often anticipation is more stressful than doing.  Fortunately, it's all just nuts and bolts.  If something can be put together, it certainly can be taken apart!  That's why I have so many incomplete projects...    

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! !

[JohnnyPopper]

Thanks Mr. bd!

She does feel like the ignition is new, smooth as silk!

I thought (too far in) that it might have been easier if I removed the instrument cluster and went in from the top.

That's why I never got into car stereo, hate having to work up under dash boards...

[bd]

...That's why I never got into car stereo, hate having to work up under dash boards...

Can't say I've met anyone who looks forward to working under a dash.  When you're young and your spine has the flexibility of a noodle, it's not so bad.  Once you mature into an adult, the story changes.  It is very disconcerting to hear your back snap, pop, and scream for mercy.  And, it's hard to see with tears streaming from your eyes.   

[JohnnyPopper]

RIGHT?!? 

No disrespect to car stereo pro's, I'm sure there are tried and true methods of access that don't require as many contortions.

I just remember from early days just trying to change out dash lights and the 'pain'...

[VileZambonie]

Get an under dash creeper, and get a lockplate depressor while you're at it! Get a topside creeper too