Jim Shea

I hate Instant Messages! When they drop out, I don't know of a way to get back with the author. I had a question on the telescope feature that wouldn't unlock. I lost the message this morning before I could answer.

Here is my answer.

The star screw pushes down on a rod that is inside the upper steering shaft. The rod presses against a wedge that ***** and locks the upper shaft from telescoping. You mention that you can unscrew the star screw but the shaft does not telescope. Remove the star screw and you should be able to extract the locking rod from inside the shaft with a small magnet.

Also, check if there is a small set screw down inside the upper shaft that might be pressing on the locking rod. Some repair procedures mention to install a set screw to lock the upper shaft in place when you are using the special tool to depress the lock plate and remove the C-clip. Sometimes Bubba leaves the set screw behind when he reassembles the T&T column.

You can see the locking rod #40 in the blowup pic at:
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=607

Good luck,
Jim


[Modified by Jim Shea, 9:04 AM 3/10/2004]

stpman

Jim

is the wedge available anywhere? Bubba lost the one for my 74

Steve :steering:

Jim Shea

I know that the wedge part number for the 1977 steering column is 7809977. I am quite sure that it is the same for all years (1969-82). It is still available through GM dealers.

stpman

:thumbs:

Thanks Jim

zwede

Jim: Click on "My Profile" on the left menu. In there you will see a link that says "instant message history", which you click on. You can then see the IM's you received and reply.

Older Than Dirt

When I saw your post it reminded me to check my profile for IM's. Sure enough there were two from two days ago and I didn't even know it. Why can't they sound off a siren or something when you receive one. :rolleyes: I can't remember to check for IM's every day. :conehead :hat :p:

Skipple

Jim-

I was the guy that IM'd you on the Tele question. Thanks for reacting back on the forum.

Actually, my problem was that I couldn't LOCK the shaft. It freely telescopes in and out without resistance even with the star screw and locking ring engaged correctly. I suspect I don't have the small rod that fits down inside the shaft. If I read you right, the bottom of the star screw pushes down on the rod as you rotate the lock ring. All I see under the star screw right now is a hole. The rod must be missing.

Can that just be fabricated from a small piece of rod stock to the right length or is it otherwise something special? Also, is the wedge you mention visible from the top ... or is that what I actually see as the "bottom" of the hole? It's not obvious to me whether I'm also missing that as well.

Bubba actually cut off some length of the star screw - it has a obvious hack saw marks. Perhaps I'm just better off picking up a new screw and lock shaft so the lengths match up.... dunno.

Thanks also for the pic.

- Mark


:seeya

Jim Shea

Mark,
You have eMail with part numbers and prices.
The wedge is still available from GM.
DocRebuild websight shows the locking rod and the star screw.
Rik's Unlimited also has the star screw in their online catalogue.
Jim


[Modified by Jim Shea, 11:30 PM 3/10/2004]