Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either wiring or replacing the handle/**** that controls the windshield wipers. Mines broke. I don't have any diagrams or anything.

Thanks,

J.

 

i believe the whole thing (turn signals, high beams, windshield wiper, and cruise control) is one part that'll need replacing if broken. if i'm not mistaken, the wheel needs to come off and the column needs to be dropped. for the exact proceedure, i would track down someone like the Trickster. that man has more wiring diagrams than i have spare nuts and bolts

 

The stalk pulls or twists out. The connector is under the dash on the column. No need to drop or pull the steering wheel.

JamesC

 

eXesiv|83ta,

What exactly is broken? If it's just the Handle (without cruise) that's very very simple. As JamesC Mentioned just pull it out firmly (not too hard) and replace it.

If it's the switch assembly inside the column (which actually controls the wipers) or if the handle has Cruise Control Functions that's a MUCH MUCH bigger chore.

If you have Cruise or the Wiper Switch is Broken....EITHER WAY... You MUST remove the steering wheel, and column lock ring. It can be a PITA. It's impossible to feed the handle wire or the wiper switch wires down through the column without removing several items. If the switch that the handle attaches to is damaged (see attached photo) you have to tear EVERYTHING out of the top of the steering column to get the new wire strand (5 wires) down the column.

I done this several times in the last month or so. Once because I upgraded to an '86 cruise system and the handle's wiring was different, and once because the wipers wouldn't work and I replaced the internal switch.

If you have to pull the internals let me know I can provide a couple additional pointers......

Sincerely,
Kurt

EDIT:
P.S. FYI.... The High Beams and Turn Signals are not really part of the unit. The Wiper Switch assy just pivots and pushes on a lever that actuates the switch (the HB/LB switch is actually at the base of the steering column). The turn signals are not part of the wiper switch either. The turn signal lever rotates another assy. behind the column lock ring. You'll see if you have to take it apart........

 

crap. No luckily I don't have airbags. But the wipers don't work at all. So it looks like I am going to have to tear apart the damn column. Thanks for the info and anymore would be greatly appreciated!

Justin

 

Justin,
Are you SURE your switch is broken and the wiper motor is good? Obviously, if you've broken the handle off or kicked it or something traumatic has happened to it you probably know it's the switch.

The absolute biggest nightmare is removing the clip that retains the column lock ring..... IT's A MAJOR HUGE PITA to get out and a BIG PITA to get back in!!!!!!! Maybe someone knows of a better way and I hope they will chime in but this is what WE DID.

You need TWO people.... Once the steering wheel is off you will see the column lock ring (It is a steel ring with holes all around the perimeter that the lock pin slides into to lock the column). Behind the ring is a Spring that pushes the ring against a steel retention ring. It's not actually a "C" clip or a "Snap Ring" that would be too easy...(Thanks GM ) One guy has to push the ring inward with his thumbs (otherwise you have no room to work) you have to CAREFULLY pry the little ring out with two(2) ice-pick type tools. Be very careful or you'll BEND and destroy the ring. . That was a pita.... but that's only 1/2 the battle......

Removing all the internals is not too big a deal but watch where everything goes and put it back as it came out.....

Once you're ready to install the Lock Ring.... Get a small piece of 3/4" copper water pipe. Cut it to EXACTLY 1". It is precisely the correct I.D. (inner diameter) to slide over the Steering Column Shaft and PUSH the ring toward the retention slot!

1.) Install the Spring
2.)Install the Steering Lock Ring (the teeth will only line-up one way!!)
3.)Get your helper to press it in just enough that you can slide the ring over the tip of the shaft
4.)Place your "Copper Pipe" on next
5.)Get the steering wheel nut started.
6.)Tighten the nut until the retaining clip snaps into place.
7.)Remove the steering wheel nut and put the rest of the stuff back on as it came off..

I fought with the lock ring clip for a heck of a while until I decided to use my brain and thought up the pipe idea. Luckily, I'm a happy home owner and happen to have a couple pieces of copper laying around the shop.

If you get it apart and have any additional problems....send me a note.

Kurt

 

I had to dismantle my steering column ~6 months ago and most of it was easy. The only tricks are:

1.) I used my harmonic balancer puller to pull the wheel off
2.) Get a "GM Tilt Steering Lock Plate Tool" from Advance Auto for $10. My father and one of his friends tried doing this job without one and it took the two of them about half a day. With this tool, I pulled my entire column apart five times in less than four hours by myself (don't ask...). A circlip removal tool MAY have helped -- maybe not. That clip is really buried. I ended up using a set of jeweler's flat screwdrivers to pry mine out. Make sure it doesn't fly away when it gives or you'll never get the column back together!

 

I assume the tool helps save the assistant's thumbs?
If so....I'm gonna buy one of those things ASAP!!!

You're correct about the ring.....that thing is burried in there!!!

Kurt

 

I was lucky enough to come across it right as I was about to start ripping my column apart. From time to time, I'll check out every last specialty tool in the auto parts store and anything that I don't outright know what it's for, I'll pick up and read the instructions. That how I found the Lock Plate Tool.

 

thanks for the info guys i got some good stuff to try and do this thing. Any more tips or suggestions? If not I will see what I can do.

Thanks