Steering Column Repair: 1986 Bronco steering rack actuator replacement, turn signal switch, tile spring


Question
How do you replace this part?  Haynes is no help.  I can get as far as removing the turn signal switch and then I am stuck.  I would bypass the starter but the truck is stuck in park.

Answer

rack04
Hi Andy:

The part that broke is called an ignition rack actuator.  It's a cast piece of metal that pushes the rod when you rotate the lock cylinder.  I have enclosed a picture of what you want and my company does sell these.  http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
Here are the instructions for replacing that piece.
1) remove the horn pad
2) remove the steering wheel
3) remove the 3 screws for the turn signal switch
4) under the dash and column disconnect the turn signal wire connector
5) pull the turn signal switch up about 3 inches to give you room...you do not need to remove it
6) remove the 3 screws for the steering column outer housing
7) remove the lock cylinder (turn to on and depress the release pin under the lock
8) remove the housing
9) remove the snap ring from the center of the column shaft
10) remove the tile spring (it's hard to do so be VERY CAREFUL)
11) remove the two pivot pins on the side of the tilt housing
12) remove the tilt housing (catching the gear mechanism that drops)
13) part of the broken rack is still in the shift tube (on top)...with a right angle pick, slide the long piece up and remove it from the tube
14) remove the roll pin holding the rack actuator to the rod... DON'T LOSE THIS PIECE
15) reassemble
16) putting the lock cylinder back in sync is the hard part.  You will need to remove the snap ring and bear from inside the housing and reset all of that to the correct timing or you will not have all the positions ACC, OFF, ON, START