QuestionQUESTION: I have an 81 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited 360 w/Automatic. It's been sitting for a few years. The steering wheel lock/ignition seems to be seized. I've read all the posts and nothing seems to apply. I've taken the cylinder lock out and it seems to work just fine, worn out but turns freely. The ignition switch rod moves freely. The only thing I can narrow it down to is the steering wheel lock, I'm guessing. Is it possible that the shaft bewteen the cylinder lock and the rod is seized? Or am I looking too deep and it is the lock cylinder? Or is there something else inside that could be seized.
ANSWER: Hi Lee:
Sorry about your truck.
How can you move the ignition rod? Do you do this when the lock is out? when the lock is out, can you turn the mechanism with a needle nose pliers? Is it a tilt or non-tilt column?
Please reply with these answers & we can go further together.
Thanks
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I guess what I meant by the ignition rod moving freely was that it moves into the ACC position freely. No, I can't turn the mechanism any better with pliers. It is a tilt column. Upon further inspection it seems that it will only turn easily to the ACC position with or without the lock cylinder in. Seems like something is stopping it from turning forward to the ON position. Could the switch that the rod connects to be rusted (by the harsh marine environment inside Jeeps, lol) so that it won't turn to the ON position even though it turns to the ACC position?
Answer
GM preload spring
Hi Lee:
I have come across this form time to time. yes, something is stopping it from rotating forward. good call!!
The preload spring inside the upper lock housing has broken and is jamming the gears.
We have recently uploaded some videos on our company website to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the tilt column you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step 2-3 minute detailed videos with instructions. Although the videos are for a Chevrolet truck, the column is very similar to yours. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO VIDEO 4a, rebuilding the tilt housing. that's where the preload spring is displayed the best.
You do not have to remove the tilt assembly to replace the spring. Once yo get the upper lock cover off and can see the preload spring, you will be able to replace it.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
I hope these videos help you. If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply email us on our "Contact Us / Order Parts" page and we will get back in touch with you personally. We stock just about everything you would need to repair your car properly.
Good luck
Doug
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
