1973-74 "C" & "K" Models
- Remove steering wheel and column-to-instrument panel trim cover. Remove three cover screws and lift cover off shaft.NOTE: Cover screws have plastic retainers on cover back so it is not necessary to remove screws completely.
Remove lock plate using suitable compressing tool (J-23653). Screw center post of tool onto steering shaft as far as it will go. Compress lock plate by turning center post nut clockwise. Pry the round wire snap ring out of shaft groove and discard ring. Remove tool and lift lock plate from housing.
CAUTION: If the column is being disassembled on bench, with snap ring removed, shaft could slide out of lower end of mast jacket damaging shaft assembly. - Slide directional signal cancelling cam, upper bearing preload spring and thrust washer off shaft end. Remove signal switch lever screw and lever. Push hazard warning knob in and unscrew knob. Pull the switch harness connector out of column bracket on jacket, and wrap upper part of connector with tape to prevent snagging wires during switch removal. With Tilt Columns, position directional signal and shifter housing in "L" position. Remove harness cover by pulling toward lower end of column, avoid damage to wires. Remove switch mounting screws and pull switch straight up, guiding wire harness and cover through column housing (see illustration).
- To install switch, proceed as follows:CAUTION: It is extremely important that only specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during reassembly. Use of overlength screws could prevent a portion of column from compressing under impact.
Feed the wire harness, connector and cover down through housing and under mounting bracket. With all columns except Tilt type, check that wire harness is in protector. With Tilt Columns, install cover on harness. Install switch mounting screws and clip connector to bracket on column jacket. Install trim plate, hazard warning knob and signal lever. Position directional switch in neutral position and pull warning knob out. Slide thrust washer, upper bearing preload spring and cancelling cam onto upper end of shaft.
- Place lock plate over shaft and attach lock plate compressing tool bolt on shaft. Install a new snap ring over tool bolt, place "C" bar of tool over bolt and compress lock plate by turning tool nut. Slide new snap ring down tool bolt and into shaft groove.NOTE: Always use a new snap ring during reassembly.
Install cover and screws on end of shaft and install steering wheel and components.