steering column lock question

[buffblazer]

ok i was on here before talking about replacing my head light dimmer switch in my 90 burb. i screwed up and opened up the steering column before realizing that the switch is not even there. so ok everything is back together and im pretty shure i hooked everything up right (did it so many times i could do it in my sleep) but when i went to start the truck the steering weel wont lock. now what would cause this and also if i drive it is it dangerous i havent even moved the truck yet because i dont want to risk screwing somthing up. its not a big deal but the burb is my friday night loaded up party wagon and everyone is wondering if where doing anything this weekend and i need help

 

[readymix]

Sounds like you left the plate out, Or the spring that pushes the pin FWD.

I would at least investigate it before i drove it

 

[rick88blaze]

I agree with readymix. I just had mine apart today to replace my turn signal cam and those are the only 2 pieces that come to mind that could cause that.

Rick

 

[buffblazer]

what plate are you talking about? and is the spring the big spring? if so everything is back in place but of course i will check to make shure.

 

[readymix]

Not the big spring. The one i am talking about does not hold tension on the lock plate. Look for the other tilt column thread that i replied to. I posted a pic in there. You should be able to find the part there

 

[readymix]

Nevermond the other thread. I just looked and it is not pictured. See if this helps. See the pin at the 11 O-Clock position. That is what i am refering to.

You can also see it in the very top of this pic. See alos how it is actuated buy the goofy gear wheel and "dork spring mechanism"

I have seen many people install the "Dork Spring" incorrectly.Then the column will not lock or will not un-lock

 

[readymix]

BTW... Those pics are courtesy of Mechted, not me.

He might know the correct name for the "dork spring mechanism"

 

[mechted]

BTW... Those pics are courtesy of Mechted, not me.

He might know the correct name for the "dork spring mechanism"

its not my article... its just something i seem to have posted 10 times or so....
no idea what a "dork spring" is either

 

[readymix]

Oh ok, I though you wrote it....


Also.... The name "Dork Spring Mechanism" is now official and from this day foward it shall be known as such.
If such a case occours to where you must cuss at the "Dork Spring Mechanism", any such known alias should be further clarified to any passerbys, or witnesses upon such occasion to where you blood pressure reaches normal human levels.

 

[buffblazer]

ok your column looks different than mine, when looking at that plate the only thing sticking out is the horn switch, there was never any pin like that so i am lost

 

[readymix]

You are looking at the wrong thing. I am talking about the pin on the outside of the wheel at the 11 O-Clock position. The horn contacct is also at the 11 O-Clock position, but you need to look further out.

If you want i can circle it then re-post the image

 

[mechted]

while re-assembling my column, i couldnt get that pin to work anymore (previous theft attempt on vehicle) so i just left it out, havent had an issue (or driven the vehicle) since

 

[readymix]

Leaving it out is not really a problem,