I have a 1983 Z28 that is an ongoing project car. Not roadworthy right now, but can putter around the yard a bit. The ignition cylinder had an issue where it wouldn’t turn back all the way to the lock position. So I decided to grab an extra cylinder and install it, but it had the same issue. After looking on many forums, it seemed like it was coming from the inner mechanism as pictured. Me being Sasquatch-sized, I turned it too far, resulting in the rack and pinion in the column slipping. Is this saveable, or do I need a new column?

 

You may be able to get in there and fix the parts. 82-83 cars have lots of unique parts in the column. The wires for the wipers are unique and even though the columns look like the 84-up parts there are small differences in screws and attachments in side. It's super annoying. I had my 82 column rebuilt and the parts are a mix of older Camaro/GM stuff and 82-92 stuff. Also, check the neutral/park interlock mechanism and cable. It moves those gears and limits lock cyl rotation. This is assuming it's an auto. Do you have a tilt column? I have an auto column/delay wipers and non tilt you can have. It's pretty good.

 

Can I get to these parts without taking the column out? If I can't, then I might as well put a tilt column in depending on prices/availability.

 

I would try and rotate the section of the column that goes into the dash. The plastic cover piece rotates and moves the whole mechanism. It's all cable actuated from the shifter but the cable cable can stick.

 

The cable isn't my only problem anymore, because now the rack and pinion are slipping and don't mesh properly.

 

Check www.steeringcolumnservices.com

 

You need to take the steering wheel off, the locking plate and undo the upper bowl in order to replace and time the rack. I would suggest getting help from someone
who has experience with steering columns. We do them all the time at the dealership. Also if it is a tilt column remove the pins and secure the tilt pivot screws usually
put a drop of loctite on them.
Joe

 

Thanks so much! I was worried that I would need to take out the column to do the job. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone with that kind of experience, so I’ll have to wing it.