Need tips to "Uncollapse" rebuilt steering column I bought!!

[CombatComProg]

I bought a rebuilt steering column for my 87 T and it was shipped "collapsed" by the vendor. I noticed the end shaft was about 1.5"-2" shorter than the original column that I pulled out of my car, and this is because the new one was shipped collapsed as explained by the vendor. I took my steering wheel off of my old column and put it on the new column. I then tried to "uncollapse" my new column via the method instructed to me by the vendor, which was to put a screwdriver through the hole at the very end shaft of the column and pull on the screwdriver to pull the shaft all the way to its correct length so that it may reach the steering shaft in the engine bay. I tried this method with a friend and I standing on the steering wheel while I put a thick screwdriver through the end shaft and pulled up - no results. I mounted the steering column fully in the car and tried the screwdriver method -no results. The only thing I could do to get a little budge was to stand on the steering wheel and lean all my weight onto the part that mounts onto the firewall. That cause a few millimeters of the end shaft to extend, but it immediately contracted to its original length as soon as I took my weight off of it. What do I do? Any idea as to what machine or tool I can use to pull this shaft to its correct length, or is there some button I'm forgetting to push -lol. I need help soon! Thanks!

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

LOL-
Sucks you had to stand on your steering wheel, your doing it correctly.
Slip a screwdriver in there, and wack it with a hammer to get it to slide.

Might have to use a rubber mallet sledge on the very edge to get it to move out...
BW

 

[CombatComProg]

Grrrrr didn't work. What do you mean "on the very edge to get it to move out?" very edge of what? Any other tips? Could it be broken? Is there any way to release the gas pressure? Isn't that what's causing so much resistance?

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

There aint no gas man,
Stick the screwdriver thru the hole where the bolt would go at the end where it meets the steering box, and wack the screwdriver toward the gear box.

Its seized because its old, get a big fn hammer, dont break it.
BIG ASS RUBBER MALLET, seriously been there, get some lube and lube up the shaft where it slides
BW

 

[MG8T7GN]

Hate to give you some bad news, but if indeed the column is "collasped", you will need to replace the shaft. When the column collapses, as in a front end collision, the shear capsules in the shaft break, allowing the shaft to collapse. There are also shear capsules (that's what holds the column to the dash where it comes out of the dashboard) mounted on the mast jacket that also shear in a collision. Column rigidity is now comprimised. If you can, reference the shop manual page 3B5-14 to check the column for accident damage.

Mark

 

[CombatComProg]

What??? The shop said they purposely collapse all columns before they ship them. Are you saying they compromise the columns they ship out every time? They are a major vendor on pretty much all of the turbo Buick sites.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Hate to give you some bad news, but if indeed the column is "collasped", you will need to replace the shaft. When the column collapses, as in a front end collision, the shear capsules in the shaft break, allowing the shaft to collapse. There are also shear capsules (that's what holds the column to the dash where it comes out of the dashboard) mounted on the mast jacket that also shear in a collision. Column rigidity is now comprimised. If you can, reference the shop manual page 3B5-14 to check the column for accident damage.

Mark

Did anyone ask how far away you are from getting it to match up?

If its a 1/2 inch to 1 inch your fine, and you need a big fn hammer.

How far?

later guys
BW

 

[SPOOLN]

I would sent it back to the world famous buick vendor. You don't need to be taking chances with parts you paid cold hard cash for.

Please post a picture of you standing on the steering wheel trying to uncolapse it.

 

[MG8T7GN]

What??? The shop said they purposely collapse all columns before they ship them. Are you saying they compromise the columns they ship out every time? They are a major vendor on pretty much all of the turbo Buick sites.

Since, I did not see the actual column, you will have to make the call as to using it. I strongly suggest you compare your column length to the dimensions given in the shop manual on page 3B5-14. If the column dimensions do not agree with the shop manual, I would not use it and send it back.

Mark