Steering column replacement issue

[1985buickttype]

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My car was broken into and I am replacing the ruined steering column. The only problem the shaft at the end of the new one is much shorter than the old one. I cant install it. Is it adjustable someway?

 

[Red Regal T]

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My car was broken into and I am replacing the ruined steering column. The only problem the shaft at the end of the new one is much shorter than the old one. I cant install it. Is it adjustable someway?

Sorry, must be wrong column for your car. Come to think of it, the shaft in front of the column collapses somewhat, but I still think it's the wrong column

 

[1985buickttype]

Thats the same feeling I had and that would suck very much. I purchased from someone on this sight. I will e-mail with the issue later if no one else chimes in and maybe gives me something to go with. Thanks Red

 

[1985buickttype]

I talked to the gentlemen I bought It from and he said the shaft definently looks like it has been pushed in. Does anyone know if there is a way to pull it back out?

 

[1985buickttype]

ttt

 

[conn84gn]

Put V-grip on the shaft the hit the Vgrip with a hammer.
Should come out,use some WD 40 first to loosen it

 

[1985buickttype]

sounds good. What exactley is a v-grip? Can it be picked up at a autozone?

 

[Red Regal T]

I'm sure he means vice-grips. That shaft has a 4" adjustment on it, from 16" to 20", so I guess that will work. I had no idea they used more than one length column.

 

[wileecoyote]

shaft

The shaft is not supposed to be collapsed like that, Does it have signs that it's been dropped? The reason it's like that is they usually inject plastic in that slip joint and the only reason it's there is so that in case of a front end collision the column will collapse instead of drive through your chest. Sometimes once they break it wil rattle or get a "click" noise when turning over rough road. I'd check to make sure it's OK to avoid other annoyances.

 

[1985buickttype]

It seems fine. I think it was standing up when it was mailed and maybe the wait from the column made it settle.

 

[Red Regal T]

This thread is getting confusing. You're original column had the longer extension into the engine compartment. Correct? The one you bought has a short extension. Therefore, the intermediate shaft must have already been collapsed, shorter with your original column. Maybe your original column had already been replaced with an incorrect piece. At any rate, the intermediate shaft will be fully extended to join with the new shorter column.

 

[1985buickttype]

Ok the shaft on the original is longer and it is the correct length. The new column is shorter and will not reach. I need to extend the new column. Sorry

 

[Red Regal T]

Don't be sorry. Doesn't that mean the new one IS the wrong column?

 

[1985buickttype]

not sure. The gentlemen I bought from is reliable I cant remember his screename right now though. I talked to him and he said that the column did not look like that when he took it out of the car. I am going to try and pull the shaft out someday this week (if work prohibits) If I cant get it to work he said he would send me another one so no worrys!

 

[Red Regal T]

Just took a look at a steering column I have laying. It doesn't appear that the front portion moves in, or out.

 

[1985buickttype]

I agree with that. In comparison though on mine that is the only difference. I hooked it up and all the connections were corrcet with the wires. I am just going to have to try and pull it out some way. My biggest problems are being twenty, being the only gearhead in the family, a limited budget, limited knowledge, and oh yeah it aint intercooled! Thats ok it will be one day!

 

[Red Regal T]

I agree with that. In comparison though on mine that is the only difference. I hooked it up and all the connections were corrcet with the wires. I am just going to have to try and pull it out some way. My biggest problems are being twenty, being the only gearhead in the family, a limited budget, limited knowledge, and oh yeah it aint intercooled! Thats ok it will be one day!

I think you need him to send you the correct column. It's not unusual that all the stuff plugs in. The 80s GMs are all the same wiring, but because it's too short, you should return it and get the right one.

 

[1985buickttype]

well I will send him an e-mail again and see what we can figure out. Thanks for the help man!

 

[turbofish38]

I cant tell much from the picture but if it is the wrong column than the jacket, or the piece that bolts on to the firewall will be wrong too. Does it look like the correct bolt pattern? Every body type(i.e. G-body,F-body) has its own distinct jacket, or bolt pattern in other words.Another example is that the piece you are saying that is the wrong length, the lower steering shaft, is the same for several GM body types. What did this guy do? Build a column from parts off of several cars? 75% of GM columns use the same parts, the only difference is the jacket.

Another stupid question? Are you sure its the column and not the intermediate shaft. It is the shaft that connects the column to the gearbox. As mentioned you can collapse it and pull it out to the correct length.

 

[1985buickttype]

no evrything bolts up fine except for this shaft. It can not reach at all. I talked to him and he said himself something looks wrong with it. So he is going to take care of me and send me another.