QuestionI have disconnected it from the dash and unbolted it from the floor, and took the plates off. It has a floor shifter in it so it is already unhooked from the shift lever. there is a picture of it here http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f148/scuzzlebutt6/car/12-30-06_1131.jpg and here
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f148/scuzzlebutt6/car/12-30-06_1129.jpg
there is a 7/16 bolt on there that is visible in the pictures, I can't seem to get it to move for anything. Is that the bolt I need to loosen?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
I have a 1973 Buick Apollo. Someone had tried to steal the car so I had to replace the original column. The column in it is from a 69 Nova I believe. I kept having problems with the keyswitch and my brother was working on it and stripped the threads and did various other things and now I am replacing the steering column. I have all the wires unhooked and the dash mounting bracket removed, and the plates removed from where it mounts to the floor. I can't get the column out. It was my understanding that it should just pull out. Am I missing something?
-----Answer-----
It has to be disconnected from the steering gearbox - have you done that? It may require a special tool to do that - a 12 point, 7/16 socket wrench will sometimes get the retaining bolt out. If you have already done that, and disconnected the shift linkage, I'm stumped too.
Let me know what you have disconnected and maybe I can help you find out what is wrong.
Dick
AnswerYes, this is the bolt that holds the steering column's inside shaft to the steering gearbox. You not only have to loosen it, you have to totally remove it, because it functions as a jam bolt, in other words, even with the bolt loose, the shaft will not pull out. When you put it back together, the shaft has to be turned to the right location so that the bolt can be re-inserted.
This is the bolt that I referred to when I said you may need a special tool to get it out. If you have a socket set of good quality, preferably a 3/8 drive set made in the USA, go to the local NAPA store (they carry good tools) and ask for a 3/8 drive, 7/16 socket with 12 points - they will have one, and if you don't already have a 3 inch extension, get that too. Then, use your breaker bar (not the ratchet) and the extension, and the new socket, and make sure the bolt head is clean, and try to break the bolt loose. It will be tight, and you may have to climb in there to where you can get a really good hit on the handle to start it moving. Remember, the impact of your hand on the end of the breaker bar transmitts a lot more starting force to the bolt than just pulling on the handle of the wrencH. See if you can talk your brother into at least breaking the bolt loose for you - and make sure he knows which way to turn it! "RIGHTY-TIGHTY, LEFTY LOOSEY!"
Remember also, use good tools, be careful, and DON'T ROUND OFF THE BOLT HEAD!!!
Good luck, and let me know how it works out.
Dick
