6 replies to this topic

[jd lj]

I'm currently in the process of reassembling my steering column after removing the upper shrouds to get paint with everything else. Everything was in good working order prior to dismantling it (if it's not broken don't fix it, too late for that).

I put the cog and key barrel back in and the key rotation didn't feel right and I noticed that the cog was 180 degrees out of orientation to activate the rack and wire rod that goes to the ignition switch lower down the column. So I pulled the switch back out and rotated the cog to the correct position.

I find that it's difficult to return the key back to the locked position but it moves freely everywhere else. The key can also be removed from any position which I don't recall being possible in the past. I have since tried to remove the lock barrel again but it's being stubborn so I've put it down for the night and will have another go tomorrow.

When I install the rack and wire rod for the ignition switch and steering lock I can no longer get the key to turn back to the locked position at all.

What am I doing wrong here to cause this and what position should the cog be in when the accompanying rack is inserted?

[S pack]

James, this might help.

http://www.gmh-toran...olumn-ignition/

[S pack]

The missing pic from post #4 in the above linked thread.

 P1020277.JPG   86.33K   4 downloads

[jd lj]

Once again thanks Dave. I'd done a search but hadn't found those threads. The information was very helpful.

I think here's where I was having problems.
- I had the cog on the pin but it wasn't on far enough to clip into place and this was preventing the lock barrel from pushing in far enough for the locking tab to fully spring back up. That then doesn't seem to let the key return back as freely as it should. I also hadn't yet fitted the winged cover that turns with the key and was thinking that the key should line up with the "lock" cast into the steering column shroud, this is not what it's meant to do, instead the winged cover that turns with the key reaches the lock position before the actual key itself points to "lock" on the shroud.

Once all this was sorted I'd noticed that the ignition switch had a rattle inside it. I opened it up and bits flew all over the place. This thread shows how to put those back together....How to rebuild your ignition Switch - General LH-LX-UC - GMH-Torana
http://www.gmh-toran...gnition-switch/

You've got to love the information on this forum.

I dropped one of the tiny ball bearings on the floor 3 times but was fortunate enough to find it every time.

My next job is to reassemble the ftont quarter windows.

[S pack]

Good that you got it sorted James.

[grumpy xu1]

I will rebuild & restore my ignition switch when the time comes after reading that, even if it's just for a spare, i bought a new unit, whilst you still could. James i might need you to text me some step by steps on the column rebuild mate.

[jd lj]

No worries, I'm happy to help anytime Gary. My ignition switch never had a problem in the past so I don't know what part was loose and rattling around but it doesn't now.