1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Steering Column Issues

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by SpeyRod, Oct 12, 2019.

  1. Oct 12, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    I tried to start the Jeep a couple weeks ago and the key would not turn. I pulled the steering wheel, lock plate, and indicator assembly off and got the key mechanism out. Now I am stuck!

    The steering column looks to be an early Chevy tilt column. The ignition linkage will not turn and I can’t get the sleeve off the middle section of the wheel. I am completely stumped and really want to drive the Jeep in this awesome weather.

    Some pics:

    https://m.imgur.com/gallery/5ySFTho
    https://m.imgur.com/gallery/oKTAmBL
    https://i.imgur.com/J8P93FC.jpg

    Any tips would be appreciated!
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2019
  2. Oct 12, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    The ignition switch is mounted at the bottom of the column under the dash. Maybe you could pop out the rod that operates the switch, and then push/pull the rod slowly to make sure the rack/gear inside the column are working.
    You could use a small rod or screwdriver and insert into the ignition switch to make sure it is working properly.
    Make sure battery is disconnected so Jeep won't start in gear or accidently.
     
  3. Oct 12, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Jp, thanks for that. Yes the rod that goes back to the key mechanism is not moving. I can see when I manipulate it it is trying to work the mechanism. The whole thing seams to be jammed and I can only get @ 1/8”-1/4” of movement. I can’t tell what is causing the jam because I can’t get the sleeve off. When I try to pull it off it is articulating the rod mechanism and then nothing. Same 1/8-1/4” movement.

    Frustrating!
     
  4. Oct 12, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    SpeyRod likes this.
  5. Oct 12, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    Only the last of your 3 photos is visible to me FYI.
     
  6. Oct 12, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    I think he has that out. I can see the hole.

    You'll have to unscrew the tilt lever.
     
  7. Oct 13, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    to get at the rack assy in a gm column you need to remove the turn signal switch,the bolts underneath, and pull the pins where it tilts you need a tool to pull em easily. the rack is a gear that allows the column to tilt and still pull the switch. im guessing that the rack broke,is the tilt area loose? usually racks either just wear out at the pivot,or get busted in a theft.(less than thirty seconds with only two "tools")to steal a gm tilt car from the 80s ive fixed hundreds of theft damaged gm tilt equipped cars and trucks
     
  8. Oct 13, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    There is a 1982 Jeep TSM online here Jeep® Parts Manuals online This has detailed instructions for disassembly and repair of the GM columns, which were all that Jeep used by 1982. Section 2J.
     
  9. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Yes there is. I got the key assembly out no problem. It is the linkage behind the assembly that is jammed.
     
    47v6 likes this.
  10. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Yes the tilt lever has been removed. I put it back in to try a different tilt position to get the sleeve off. No go.
     
  11. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Hmm. I’ll have to see if I can I’d what you are talking about, hopefully no one tried to jack this rig while I was at work. We live in a good neighborhood and most of my neighbors are retired. They don’t leave much opportunity for thieves.
     
  12. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Thanks I will research that one!
     
  13. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    The TSM is a great help in understanding what the heck I am dealing with. I suspect I have a broken rack or lock sector block tooth. Unfortunately that means I am dead in the water and have no tools to go forward. Time to find a local mechanic who can work on it.

    Thanks for everyone’s input. At least now I know...
     
  14. Oct 13, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    If they tried to steal it they didn’t know what they were doing it is failsafe if done”correctly “ plus it leaves a huge hole in the column. Any decent body shop should have someone who can fix a bad rack. FWIW if the key will unlock the wheel you can start and drive the rig if you take the switch off the column and use a screwdriver to actuate the switch leaving it hanging by the wires.
     
  15. Oct 13, 2019
    SpeyRod

    SpeyRod New Member

    Ashland, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2018
    Messages:
    48
    Thanks! I may just reinstall the wheel and do as you say. The wheel lock is stuck in the down position (may be a part of the problem?) hopefully it won’t pop up while I am driving it.

    It is equipped with front and rear lockers for flat towing. I may just tow it in to be safe...
     
  16. Oct 13, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
  17. Oct 13, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Messages:
    3,549
    This happened to me once in a ford pinto..... luckily we were in the yard and weren’t going too fast.....
     
  18. Oct 13, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    it may be related, if you can get the column straight the rack may work somewhat too.
     
  19. Oct 13, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
  20. Oct 14, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    Messages:
    1,725
    I fixed a few of them when thieves would smash them back in the day, but that was a long time ago, and I am having a hard time remembering what it all looked like. I remember pulling the lock out with the key and a paper clip pushing the release. Then using a screw driver to work the rack that works the switch, but can't remember how I got the sleeve off to put a new one on. I remember pulling the steering wheel, and the turn signal lever, then there were screws that held the sleeve to the column, and a linkage that went down the column to the rack that worked the switch, but it is all a little foggy now, Good Luck
     
New Posts