When looking at the various exploded views of the tilt mechanism, there is a preload spring shown #39. Can anyone tell me where this spring actually goes?

http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/TiltColumn.jpg

I needed to replace the steering shaft and the steering column was quickly torn down by another person who works at a local shop. The problem is, I wasn't able to take pictures or document anything, and I have this spring that I'm not sure how it gets installed. Since the service manual and all the images just show it, but not what it is installed against, I have no clue how it goes back in. It appears to put some tension on the ignition switch actuator rack, but when that piece is installed and engaged with the gear that is turned by the ignition switch, it's no clear as to how that spring is installed.

Any help or pictures would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


*** EDIT ***

So I think I may have figured out it's location. It seems to potentially span the guide for the ignition actuator rack to put a bit of tension on it to hold it tight against the plastic gear. Would anyone happen to know if this is correct?

 

After reviewing pictures much much closer, it appears that I have the part listed above in the correct place. However, I have not seen this part in any picture, nor can I find it in the exploded images anywhere.

Would anyone be able to tell me what this piece is and where it fits in the steering column? It appears to be some type of spring. The hooked end has a small barb on it that looks as though it would lock into some hole somewhere.

 

Pretty sure that thing is mounted under the key ignition switch. If you remove/pull the ignition switch out,........ that thing fits under it somehow. I'm not positive,... but pretty sure it's used to engage the "Chime" when the key is turned.

 

Thanks for the response. I believe the chime thing is actually enclosed in plastic (like a plastic block) based on all the pictures. I do have that piece back in place. I don't think the piece I am having a problem with has anything to do with any electrical. There was also no grease on it and was pretty corroded. Based on what was done with my car by the person who was supposed to have been working on it, that leads me to believe it belongs somewhere towards the outer portion of the column, like in or around the turn signal mechanism.

 

That's #15. The end with the hook goes around the plastic key buzzer switch, then the works slides in the hole. It basically retains the switch.

 

Sorta like this -

 

Maybe this thread has the picture you want.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-rebuilds.html

 

That's exactly what I was looking for!! You guys are all awesome!

Thanks! Now I can finally get that column back together.

 

Thanks to everyone here, I was able to get the column back together....

Unfortunately, the shaft that was sent to me that I needed to replace what was damaged in my column wasn't from a TA like mine at the very least. Not sure what column the shaft came out of, but the part where the steering wheel goes on is WAY too deep. So...back to the drawing board looking for either another steering shaft or another column....




Also, @John in RI, I completely misread what you responded with and missed that you stated that piece went UNDER the chime switch thingy. For some reason, in my mind, I read that as it was the chime activator. My apologies and again, thanks for all the input.

 

That's from an airbag car. The shaft is longer because the airbag coil is added to the stack.

 

That definitely makes sense.