Still Seeking help with Directional Lever for '91

[RJB44]

Hello - This is a follow-up to an earlier post I had regarding help with my directional a few weeks ago. I appreciate the feedback I got then, unfortunately I have not fixed the problem. I put up a couple pictures previously, but they may have not illustrated the problem sufficiently. I have since added a couple new photos here. It looks as though the plastic "control" piece between the lever and the hi/lo beam rod is missing something. Not sure if it broke off or fell off, but regardless, the rod has nothing to attach to now. The directional and wiper operate just fine, it is just the hi/lop beam control. I can manually move the rod up and down to active the switch at the bottom of the column. I went to a couple of salvage yards and they indicated they do not "bust" up columns. They wanted 150 - 200 for a used column with steering wheel. Although I did not price the part I think I need, the local Chevy dealership said I needed to take a part the whole column to fix the problem. I need to be inspected by end of the month.

Does anyone know if I can replace the piece that sits between the lever and the rod, without having to take the entire column apart? Or, am I better off putting a new toggle swicth somewhere else.

Thanks
Previous post “Help with Directional Lever 91 Blazer”
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260489&highlight=lever

This photo is looking down from the top.

 

[fallout232]

If indeed the "Pivot" is missing from your column they do sell it seperately. I know it is a part that is still available.

I thought mine was missing or broke and was about to hack in a older style foot switch and found that I the bolts which were holding the highbeam switch to the column had come loose and I had to re-adjust the switch so it would make contact once again. I checked mine by grabbing the rod with a pair of needle nose pliers and pushed it back up into the column. I then actuated the Lever with pressure still applied to it and found that it was pushing as it was working as supposed to. I found the bracket for the switch was "slotted and adjusted it up. It has worked flawless ever since.

Just something you might check before you rip your column completely apart. You do have to disassemble it almost completely to get to that portion.

 

[RJB44]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not clear on why I would need to pull apart the column. The rod piece works fine. Are you saying I can replace just pivot piece (2nd picture w/wires)? I need to see how it connects to the rod?
Thanks !

 

[4X4HIGH]

Do you have the cover that goes over that section of the steering column? there is a cover and 1 other piece missing to fix your problem. You DO NOT have to take any portion of the column apart to fix the problem other than what is already apart.

 

[RJB44]

Yes, I have the cover for the area that is exposed in the photo. What is the other piece that is missing, and where would it go?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Yes, I have the cover for the area that is exposed in the photo. What is the other piece that is missing, and where would it go?

The other piece is a plastic piece that rides on a portion of the cover to keep it aligned and one end rides on the rod and the other is pushed by the switch lever.

 

[lectric80]

I am not sure where you can get it, but there is a pivot that runs between the back of the wiper switch and the rod. It is a just a simple pivot that goes in there and covers the vertical portion of the rod. I know that Autozone has a complete repair kit that includes that piece, but it is $60 for it. You might want to check with the help section of the parts stores, or check with GM to see if you can get just that part.

 

[rufusbooth]

Well, here is the best pic I can find of the part that you need. This is from an article on how to repair the all too common loose tilt mechanism.

http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html

Compare your cover to the picture above. You will see your missing part there. The cover aligns and locates this part so that your dimmer switch can actuate properly. Hope that helps. I will look some more and see if I can find a better pic on the interwebs.

Cheers,

Rufus

EDIT:
ok, here is a better pic

Black part in middle on right side.

This is from evilbay auction:
Clicky

I would be willing to bet you can find it at your local GM dealer.

Cheers,

Rufus

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok, with the last picture that was posted i circled the piece that you need along with the cover.

 

[RJB44]

My Cover......

Ok, here is my cover. looks like I am definitely missing that piece. Chances are this cannot be purchased at parts store, perhaps I can get this from GM. Also, does this just clip in the top of the cover? Thanks

 

[rufusbooth]

Yep! Missing.

I would just go to the dealer. Should not be that expensive as it was used in a TON of columns from trucks to cars. My guess is they will have it in stock.

The part does not clip in, it just sits on the cover and then the cover holds it in position next to the column. The part can then slide freely back and forth to actuate the dimmer switch. Once you actually lay your hand on the part it will make sense.

Cheers,

Rufus

 

[4X4HIGH]

I might be hitting the wrecking yard either tomorrow or friday and i could look for you. Not sure what they would want but i'm sure not much.

 

[RJB44]

Pieces

Thanks for all the follow-up!

What about these other two pieces, do I need these?

 

[lectric80]

That kit picture that rufus posted is the same kit that is available at Autozone. It is about $66 for it though. I would bet GM has just the piece you need for less than that.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Thanks for all the follow-up!

What about these other two pieces, do I need these?

If you can insert your key and start the engine those pieces are there still. Those pieces circled have nothing to do with the high beam switch.