How do I get this big C clip on the steering coloumn and where does it go

wizard

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2012
Messages
505
Reaction score
166
Location
Dillsburg, PA
See my other post but Here is where I am stuck at. Does the big C clip go where I am pointing screw driver at or does it go on top of the big metal piece? Lost? I cant get enough pressure to push down on the plastic thing to get that clip on. Any idieas or tools?

Working on 73 Imperial

IMG_6314.JPG


IMG_6315.JPG
 
See my other post but Here is where I am stuck at. Does the big C clip go where I am pointing screw driver at or does it go on top of the big metal piece? Lost? I cant get enough pressure to push down on the plastic thing to get that clip on. Any idieas or tools?

Working on 73 Imperial

View attachment 360724

View attachment 360725
There will be a groove cut into the shaft that locks the C clip in place. If you install it otherwise the C clip will move. Look for the groove that the C clip can fit into.
 
You have to push hard against a heavy spring, at least on a tilt/tele column. If you’re wondering where or in what order it goes, the service manual would be helpful.
 
It is usually in the lower section of the column, so either where you have it placed, or below the turn signal assembly. If you can't get the clip in try installing the steering wheel nut with a washer and pull up on the center shaft, there should be some play in the steering couplers.
 
There is a specialty tool made specifically for this. It threads on to the shaft and pushes the plate down. You can do it without but as mentioned you need to push against the spring. If you get someone to help you can push it down while they install it.
 
You've got it in the right place, and there's a special tool that screws into the centre threaded hole and presses down on the plastic assembly to provide access to the spring clip's channel.

It's nearly impossible to do without it. However, it's fairly easy to make the tool - make a U shaped piece out of a robust piece of flat stock steel that reaches over the shaft and contacts both sides of the assembly. Make sure it's skinny enough to allow the C clip to slide past. Drill a hole through the U piece to allow a bolt to go through into the centre shaft hole. Turn the bolt to press the U piece down and compress the assembly, ensuring the U piece is clocked so the C clip can slide past it. Slide in the C clip and release the bolt.
 
Lisle tools still made in the USA since 1903.I try to support what’s left of American companies ... that’s just my thoughts. I hope I didn’t offend anyone.
 
When I was having trouble with the rim blow when the interior temp got over 80 degree F, blowing the horn, cooking the horn relay, and the current flow weakening the coil spring under the horn contact in the turn signal . . . I managed to get the steering wheel off by wiggling it. That got me to the lock plate, which needed to be compressed to get the circular wire clip out of its groove. I managed to position the power seat such that I could push down on the lock plate with my feet, as I got the wire out of the groove and out, to release the lock plate (and then the turn signal switch assy). Just needed a small screwdriver to pry it out. Reverse procedure to re-install it. Didn't know about that fancy tool back in the middle '70s! When the circular spring clip decided to reside elsewhere, I got a paper clip and bent it to size, which worked.

As the columns were made by Saginaw, I found a circular spring wire clip in the GM parts book, later on.

This was on my '70 Monaco Brougham tilt column.

CBODY67
 
You've got it in the right place, and there's a special tool that screws into the centre threaded hole and presses down on the plastic assembly to provide access to the spring clip's channel.

It's nearly impossible to do without it. However, it's fairly easy to make the tool - make a U shaped piece out of a robust piece of flat stock steel that reaches over the shaft and contacts both sides of the assembly. Make sure it's skinny enough to allow the C clip to slide past. Drill a hole through the U piece to allow a bolt to go through into the centre shaft hole. Turn the bolt to press the U piece down and compress the assembly, ensuring the U piece is clocked so the C clip can slide past it. Slide in the C clip and release the bolt.


Okay, I know where that clip slides into the cutouts on the shaft but does the clip go on top of the big round metal piece in picture #2 or does the clip go on first on top of the plastic piece as shown in pic#1 where I have my screwdriver pointing to it and then the big round metal piece go on top of it? I understand I need this tool either buy one or make it as explained. It is nearly impossible to push that down and trying to slip it on.

Definitely gotta get or make the tool. Thanks for all the inputs from everyone.
 
Okay, I know where that clip slides into the cutouts on the shaft but does the clip go on top of the big round metal piece in picture #2 or does the clip go on first on top of the plastic piece as shown in pic#1 where I have my screwdriver pointing to it and then the big round metal piece go on top of it? I understand I need this tool either buy one or make it as explained. It is nearly impossible to push that down and trying to slip it on.

Definitely gotta get or make the tool. Thanks for all the inputs from everyone.



I rented a steering wheel puller from advance auto. Wonder if they have this tool to rent also. Have to make a call later today.

lockplatetool.jpg
 
Okay, I know where that clip slides into the cutouts on the shaft but does the clip go on top of the big round metal piece in picture #2 or does the clip go on first on top of the plastic piece as shown in pic#1 where I have my screwdriver pointing to it and then the big round metal piece go on top of it? I understand I need this tool either buy one or make it as explained. It is nearly impossible to push that down and trying to slip it on.

Definitely gotta get or make the tool. Thanks for all the inputs from everyone.
On top of the metal plate. Just ensue everything is properly aligned before you compress it. Good luck.
 
On top of the metal plate. Just ensue everything is properly aligned before you compress it. Good luck.

Rkrochen, I am not sure about that.

As far as I know, the clip goes over the plastic part and then the metal part goes over that. There's a very specific recessed area molded into the plastic part to align the C clip, and I am not sure how one would slide the C clip in with the metal part in place..
 
Rkrochen, I am not sure about that.

As far as I know, the clip goes over the plastic part and then the metal part goes over that. There's a very specific recessed area molded into the plastic part to align the C clip, and I am not sure how one would slide the C clip in with the metal part in place..
I just took another look at it. Was thinking more along the pic of the one with the tool installed. Possibly a different style. Thanks for correcting me.
 
Rkrochen, I am not sure about that.

As far as I know, the clip goes over the plastic part and then the metal part goes over that. There's a very specific recessed area molded into the plastic part to align the C clip, and I am not sure how one would slide the C clip in with the metal part in place..


U sure it goes on the plastic piece first? Like in pic #1 ? I think your right when I took it off several weeks ago I kinda remember prying the clip up out of that plasitic piece. Darn, I wish I would have taken a picture of this before disassembly. I laid it in order how it came off but got it mixed up now. I don't think the book/manual blow out pic shows you this. I will have to look again.
 
Back
Top