QuestionQUESTION: I was replacing my lock cylinder and got carried away with my cleaning, so I pulled the steering column part of the way off. Now I can't get the lock plate back on far enough for the retaining ring to seat. The plate is stopping at a piece of plastic where the rod comes out when the wheel is locked. The other thing that I noticed is that when I tighten the four bolts holding the column in place, the key sticks when I turn it. If I loosen the bolts slightly, the key works fine. I could deal with the key issue, but until the plate is on, I can't steer or do much with it. Any help is appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi Derek:
You don't say whether your column is a tilt or non-tilt. It makes a difference. Let em know & i will help you as much as possible form here.
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: it's non-tilt and a manual I4 2.5, so no stick up there to get in the way.
AnswerOK thanks Derek:
My company has just uploaded complete exploded views of steering columns to help people out. Here is the direct link to your vehicle and design. This should help yo understand what I am referring to.
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/exploded-view-results.php?y=1990&ma=Jeep&m
I'm not sure how far down you took your column, but if you removed the upper lock cover by taking out the 4-- 5/16" head bolts that secure it to the tube, you may have disturbed the plate that it is supposed to rest on. If you did remove those bolts or the housing itself, you will need to re-disassemble it, flip the housing over and make sure the metal plate on the bottom of the housing has seated properly. My guess is that it has shifted and that's why when you tighten the bolts, it binds. If you do need to remove the housing to check it, you will need to remove the ignition switch (#7) to allow the rod and housing to come off as 1 unit. It's easier to assemble that way anyhow. The plate that I think is out of place is #19.
If you did not remove the housing, then it is simply an alignment problem. Tighten one bolt at a time making sure it does not bind the lock as you are tightening it.
As far as getting the lock plate to seat, same issue...the shaft itself has slipped down (common problem when you remove the snap ring). Once you have the housing issue settled, you will need to pull the shaft up by hand until it pops up into place. Then, holding it up with one hand, put the plate and snap ring on with the other, never letting the pressure off until you have the spring plate compressor in place and holding the shaft up alone. Then you will be able to re-seat the snap ring. The shaft is obviously #34
I hope this helps.
