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shifter binding, how did I screw up?

K85 Octane

K85 Octane

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Ok gents, here's my story, I'd be ever so happy if you could help me out.

I just recently rebuilt the steering column, new bearings, signal switch, and torque socket bolts for the tilt base plate. I put it all back together, goes smooth, no problems for the most part. I stop after the lock plate, cause I didn't need the steering wheel in my way for the rest of the interior work.

After I installed my gauges and stuff, I wanted to check out the shifter and see the needle working. I couldn't move the shifter. (auto btw)

Since then I have:

removed all linkages leading up to the column from the trans
removed all the stuff I touched when doing the column rebuild
removed the torque socket bolts that hold the tilt base down

When I removed the torque bolts, the shifter was freed up. The bolts are factory bolts that are the same length as those that came out. (previously had no problems, however the wheel was super sloppy. Maybe PO had same problem and kept the bolts loose)

I've already tried grinding off a couple thread. Put them back in and same problem. I don't need to tighten them all the way for there to be drag, so it's not length that's the problem.

Here are some pictures. The piece in the last pic was not put back on. Is this where my problem is? The linkage arm at the bottom of the column looks to be up too high, like it should be lower. I don't get it :dunno:

2 014.jpg

36.jpg

2.jpg
 
Isn't the shifter locked in place untill you turn the key like one click? It's an early style of shift interlock. Get the column back together up to the ignition cylinder, turn the key and then try it.
 
I can start to move the shifter, but it starts to "bind" up somewhere between R and N. If all the bolts are tight, it wont move but an inch.

I've had it together, with the key etc, and the same thing happens. Currently, even though torn apart, the rod leading downward, is in the "ON" position, as if the key was on.
 
I'll give it a shot. When you took out the tilt base screws, did you remove all of them at once or one at a time. If you removed all of them at once, the little plate they screw into prob. sliped out of place.
 
I believe they were replaced one at a time, however since then I have had all of them out. I can see the plate, it's got a notch on the top sort of. I think it's in the right place but not sure.

How do I remove the tilt base and steering shaft that goes in the column? I'd like to take a look at whats under the tilt base, like that plate etc.
 
K85 Octane said:
I believe they were replaced one at a time, however since then I have had all of them out. I can see the plate, it's got a notch on the top sort of. I think it's in the right place but not sure.

How do I remove the tilt base and steering shaft that goes in the column? I'd like to take a look at whats under the tilt base, like that plate etc.
Click to expand...

The steering shaft should just slide out. Then the tilt base just unbolts and slides off. Been awhile since I had one that far apart.
 
images



sorry, just had to.. :wink1:

I friggin hate column shifters..... the performance blows.. maybe it stems from my hotrod days where ya want positive shift engagement... it's always been one of the first things i do on an auto vehicle..

or maybe the hatred comes from doing all the column work on the stolen cars at the collision shop.... what a pain in the arse those where... :mad:

I know, useless.... the big question in my mind is, did it shift properly before you rebuilt it?
 
Sounds like it's time for a new Steering columm.

pick and pull has them here for $70.00 then another $30.00 at the local lock smith to have them re-key it for you.

Wallah! done, no more hassle!
 
A) the shifter worked fine before I touched it.
B) I've already notched the end of this column for my XJ. I've changed some parts in the column that could be changed over to another (including new key cylinder) but would rather not spend the money if possible. Totally broke atm. Also, I fear the day when I have to remove my dash, getting all those wires and stuff in there was not fun. So the piece with all the grease on it (where the ball mounts) just slides out? You mean I can pull it up and out of the column? Then I can get the tilt base off and really see what's going on, that would help I'm sure.
 
I couldn't seem to pull the center rod out. The piece that has grease on it. It's in there good. Do I just need to man up some more? lol
Getting this out would allow me to take the tilt base off, then I could see what's going on. Going to the junkyard is out of the question, $100 is something I no longer have for truck parts. Plus I'd still have to pull the column apart to fix the bolts and replace the bearings I'm sure.
 
great
so I pried up on the steering rod and got it to come out. Took the tilt base back off and found part of the outside tube cracked and missing. So now I do need new column. That's fuking great
 
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