Steering column take apart?

[Braden]

Hey everyone. I'm in the process of a rewire and can't figure out how to take the steering column apart for the life of me. Haynes manual leaves a lot to be desired lol. I just want to get to the key switch and turn signals so I can hook up their new wires. I've gotten the column loose from the dash but unsure on how to take it apart now. Thanks

 

[Braden]

It's a 71 charger btw

 

[daytona71]

Braden
To remove the column from the car, the steering shaft needs to be taken off the steering gear. You should find a pin to be knocked out where the shaft meets the gear. Also, if a column shift car, the linkage will need to be disconnected. Where the column meets the firewall, there should be 3 bolts to remove. This will allow the column to be removed. There should be 2 multi-wire connectors under the dash that also need to be separated.
Once out of the car, the new wiring/switches can be installed while on your bench. A steering wheel puller is needed to pull the steering wheel gaining access to the wiring you want to replace.

 

[Braden]

Thank you daytona71!

 

[Durandal25]

Braden
To remove the column from the car, the steering shaft needs to be taken off the steering gear. You should find a pin to be knocked out where the shaft meets the gear. Also, if a column shift car, the linkage will need to be disconnected. Where the column meets the firewall, there should be 3 bolts to remove. This will allow the column to be removed. There should be 2 multi-wire connectors under the dash that also need to be separated.
Once out of the car, the new wiring/switches can be installed while on your bench. A steering wheel puller is needed to pull the steering wheel gaining access to the wiring you want to replace.

Good stuff sir. Also, if it's just a rewire, like a harness, all you may need to do is drop the column, pull the wheel...then remove the old harness male end one pin at a line the thread it back through the column. Take the new harness, and wrap the wires to make it easier to go back the same way. After than just add the pins back into the harness connector, making sure to mate them up to the correct color and bolt the column back up.

 

[Braden]

Thanks, both of you. Yes I'm gonna do the latter(if I can!). I came up to this blade looking thing and it's on the pretty good. Locking plate I'm guessing since the tab under the gear indicator appears to slide down into it when the key is in lock position. Any advice on removing it? Gear puller? A crowbar didn't do the trick and actually just pushed the housing stuff more forward! Once this things out of the way I should be able to get to the rest of the wiring

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

Secured to shaft with a roll pin, there is a sleeve that pulls off to expose the roll pin.

 

[jeepers007]

Also, look thru the service manuals here... http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=109

Might get better info than a Haynes manual, even if your year is different...

 

[Michael789]

Haynes manuals are worthless I wouldn't use one to wipe my @ss with ! Stick with the factory service manuals and advice of the members here,good luck.

 

[Braden]

Am I missing something? I got the sleeve off and I can not get this roll pin out. I've got a screwdriver the same width as the roll pin that will fit into the roll pin housing tube. But hammering on that pin with a bfh and pb blaster isn't doing anything. I even tried the propane torch!

 

[mrsnicks]

Right tool for the job. Invest in a set of roll pin punches. Work much better than screwdrivers.

The roll pin punch fills the cavity completely and pushes the roll pin out, a screwdriver has a chance to mushroom the pin.

Patrick

 

[Braden]

Thanks for holding my hand thru that guys. Got the rest of everything off and was able to remove the instrument panel with your help. Now I'm just blankly staring at a million wires :flushed:. YearOne might be getting a lot of my money lol I'll be in the electrical section for a while!