Steering Column

[petek]

Don,

I've got a key stuck in the steering column in my Cobra. The column is one that I bought from DV a few years ago. I've posted a "help" in the tech area of the forum - but if I can't get the key to work quickly I might just buy another column and then rebuild this one for later use.

Do you stock columns for the CRII Cobra? If so, how much wampum?

thanks

[dscott]

Pete, we don't use the GM column anymore. We switched to Ididit a few years ago. If you change to the Ididit you will need to change the mount and the shaft length between the u-joints. We also moved the wipers and high beams to the dash along with the ignition switch. So you would need to do some rewiring as well. The GM column is an easy fix to replace the key mechanism. Let me know if you need help and I can walk you through it over the phone.
Don

[petek]

Thanks for the offer Don, I'll take a look tonight or tomorrow and I'll give you a call if I run into problems.

[petek]

Don,

After constructing a tool to remove the clip holding everything together, I've managed to get the steering column "guts" down to the point shown in the picture below. Fundamentally I've got the signal switch removed and now I'm ready to remove the ignition switch assembly.

I still can't get the key to turn to the off position.

How do I proceed from this point?

thanks!

[dscott]

Pete, if you remove the three larger torx screws then you can pull out the turn signal switch enough to get it out of the way. You will also need to remove the turn signal arm. The other smaller torx is what holds the key switch in place. Check the linkage for the lock position to see what's hanging it up. The linkage also controls the locking pin.
Don

[petek]

Thanks Don but I beat you to it. I went ahead and disassembled the column and got the lock out. Darn lock worked fine! Let's see if I can get some pictures to link...

There is a gear that rotates when the key is turned and moves a rack in and out. The rack controls the electrical part of the ignition switch.



The rack exits the head of the steering column and goes under the steering column mount.



But apparently over time some sort of tolerance build-up or slop caused the rack to hit the mount. My fix was to put some washers to shim out the mount. I got the column back in the car but the rack seems to still hit the mount. I hope to have some time to work on it tonight.

[petek]

Two washers and adjusting the position of the electrical part of the ignition switch and the problem is solved ... and now I know I can disassemble and re-assemble a GM steering column!

[J. T. Toad]

I seem to have a little misunderstanding due to the cause of the problem.

Would this be a preventative procedure worth implementing prior to an inevitable condition?

With my luck, I can tell you when my key would get stuck.

[petek]

The mount on my steering column is a bit different than the standard CR (an attempt on my part to get a little more clearance between my legs and the column).

As long as the key turns freely and smoothly in your column, I wouldn't worry 'bout it.