My buddies 83 olds cutlass has a steering column problem. Good news is its set up just like my TA, but bad news is I've never ventured this far into the column before. I need to know how to get the tilt part out of the way.

You see, the SWITCH ACTUATOR RACK, is broken, and it looks like the tilt setup needs to be dissambled to fix it.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

If only the sector is broken, the tilt mechanism won't even have to be exposed.

 

Thanks Vader,
As you can see from your pic, this is what broke. I've looked through my Chilton's book, and it looks like I need to purchase a pivot pin remover. But the book says to use a screwdriver to remove the spring retainer. I tried that this morning, but it didn't seem to move. Maybe needed to use a little more force?

 

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ROB,

The die cast rack piece is actually contained entirely within the upper bowl, so you can probably get it out without removing the tilt pins. You'll have to expose the left side of the column, so the turn signal arm and trim covers will need to be removed.

If you have difficulty and need to remove teh pivot pins, make sure you relieve the tension of the tilt spring first. And instead of purchasing a pivot pin removal tool, you can use this setup:

 

Thanks Vader, it looks like the pins gotta come out. My problem is relieving the tension on the tilt spring. My pic shows to use a screwdriver, but when I tried it, it just started to strip out the middle. Also, I assume you just hammer the pivot pins back in, correct?

 

If you push in on the part that tilts, you can balance against the spring pressure, and take all the pressure off the pins. That way, they usually come right out.

 

sounds like a good idea, thanks

 

I just LOVE those drawings Vader always seems to come up with!

 

If you use a #2 or preferrably a #3 Phillips screwdriver, you can depress and turn the spring retainer cap easily. A quarter turn and it should come out. If you do this with the tilt column at the highest position, there should be the least spring pressure on the cap.

As for the pivot pins, just tap them back into place and lightly stake them in with a sharp punch or chisel.