HELP - big steering problems - HELP

LEEJANDZ · 03-18-03, 01:26 AM

It has been such a long day. I went to my mechanics today to check on my 79 and I have a big problem.

The steering wheel has "magically" decided not to work anymore. I believe it is the telescoping type. The wheel will come completely off of the column. I dont understand this steering system at all. My mechanic who worked at a CHEVROLET dealership as a tech before opening up his own shop is at a loss as well.

If i put the steering wheel in place it will not turn the wheels at all. I consider myself to be faily competent a mechanic, but this is just AARGH!!!

Does anyone have an interchange manual that can tell me what column to look for in another car. Or can anyone offer any suggestions as to what I should do.

Whats that old saying... when it rains it pours

paintdaddy · 03-18-03, 01:40 AM

Without looking at it it sounds like the gear box.Check out Corvette Americas website for some free diagrams.

mapman · 03-18-03, 01:56 AM

What doesn't move? When the steering wheel turns does the input shaft to the steering gear turn? (or not?)

If the problem is internal to the column, that is between the steering wheel and the firewall you might check out the information by Jim Shea on Corvette FAQ. The link is below. He has papers on various years abd configurations.

Hope this helps.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/steering.asp

Vette/Berlina-coupe · 03-18-03, 07:20 PM

-perhaps your "mechanic" is not all that sharp; --without seeing what is actually wrong, it seems that the steering-shaft's aft-end Nut is gone, letting your steering-shaft slide-down (forward) so that the steering-wheel hub-splines are not engaging with the steering-shaft's splines; --unless the splines are stripped which I doubt. Also, your steering-shaft fittings near the steering-gear may be loose or terribly worn. But what puzzles me is, --how did you drive the car there to the mechanic's-shop without steering; --if the problem arose there at the shop, then suspect something afoul in tinkersville.... ~Bob vH

LEEJANDZ · 03-19-03, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Vette/Berlina-coupe --- But what puzzles me is, --how did you drive the car there to the mechanic's-shop without steering; --if the problem arose there at the shop, then suspect something afoul in tinkersville

I drove it to the shop, and left it there while it was closed. When my guy tried to move it. the steering wheel was as I described. I would tow it to my house but I dont know what to do with it here or how to move it around with no steering.

Still stuck, and the weather is nice enough to pull the tops off.

What scares me the most is that I could have been driving when this happened. And I am glad that if it had to happen, then under these circumstance I am lucky, but still puzzled.

From what I have noticed it seems as though someone just unbolted the steering wheel. But the center nut is still in place and I can pull the wheel completely off of the column and throw it out the window. I dont understand what could have happened, because I dont see what attaches the wheel to the column.

I have the utmost faith in my mechanics competence, yet I am not sure who has been "toying" around with my car.

ChuckG · 03-19-03, 08:17 AM

When you pull the wheel off, what exactly comes "out". If the nut is still there, is it just the steering wheel, or the wheel along with the upper shaft, or ?? Chuck

vigman · 03-19-03, 08:51 AM

On your wheel you have the tilt/telescopic column .. right?

When you "remove the wheel" I assume the front horn button, the telescopic adjuster, the wheel & the dust cover come out.

If you turn the assy around
You see a shaft in the center and a BIG spring hanging out.

If you look down the hole in the column
do you see a long rod & a woodruff style key just laying at the bottom of the shaft?

Let us know.. this is a fairly easy fix.

Vig~

LEEJANDZ · 03-21-03, 07:28 AM

Here are a few pictures of my detached steering wheel.

BACK VIEW:

SIDE VIEW: (with random rod)

FRONT VIEW:

Still stuck

LEEJANDZ · 03-21-03, 07:29 AM

BROKEN LINKS??? --- GRRRRRR!!!!

http://www.geocities.com/hidapunkin/wheel001.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/hidapunkin/wheel002.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/hidapunkin/wheel003.jpg

JohnZ · 03-21-03, 05:02 PM

All the links say the page is unavailable

LEEJANDZ · 03-21-03, 06:32 PM

I had a buddy of mine go check it out, it looks like I need a new steering column. Anyone have any leads in the SO CAL area.

Thanks

paintdaddy · 03-21-03, 07:42 PM

Search Cranes corvette.He runs an ad in the back of corvette trader.Hes probably got one.I think hes in San Fransisco.Beware I think hes on speed or something,but hes got some really nice stuff.

LEEJANDZ · 03-21-03, 07:55 PM

Quote:

paintdaddy --- Search Cranes corvette.He runs an ad in the back of corvette trader.Hes probably got one.I think hes in San Fransisco.Beware I think hes on speed or something,but hes got some really nice stuff

Does he have a website???
Why do you think he's on speed???

paintdaddy · 03-22-03, 05:17 AM

www.cranescorvette.com When you call him youll see why.Hes running wide open all of the time and tries to get ya off the phone asap.Hes always rush,rush,rush.

LEEJANDZ · 03-22-03, 06:16 AM

CRANES CORVETTES

WOW!!! This site looks like it was put together by a group of junior high kids with too many gif's and free time.

$695 for a rebuilt steering column.

YIKES!!!

Maybe I can trade the owner an 8 ball of speed and a redesign of his website for the parts I need for my VETTE?

--------------------------------
JASON

X-WEB SLINGER (but I still have it)