Steering column - what do I do??

[Bugler]

I tried to fix my wobbly steering column today and got it mostly apart only to realize I am not knowledgeable enough to do it right so I put it back together. Went to start the car and the lock cylinder wouldn't turn. Had no idea why so I took it apart again to find out. Couldn't figure it out. Said screw it I'll bring it to someone and pay. I was at the Base hobby shop and they rushed me to finish so in my haste, I think a couple balls came out of the bearing and the thin metal dome that the spring rests against got destroyed. Now my lock cylinder won't turn AND my steering wheel is dangerously loose and scary to drive. I have to put in the key and turn the ignition switch with a wrench to start it. Had to leave the lock cylinder hanging.

What do I do?!

[NEMO]

Replace whole unit,and replace the key with yours. This is the fastest way to fix the problem.

[handmedownreatta]

you also have to deal with the passkey system.if i had your email adress,id send a link on working on gm collumns

[Bugler]

bmamalis@gmail.com

What unit am I replacing? The entire column?

[Reattaron]

Check with the j yards on which columns out of a Riviera will interchange with your Reatta.I believe the Riv's columns are not painted black,so just take some mineral spirits & rub the paint off.You'll find the Riv's are painted black underneath the color.

[Bugler]

Ok I found a couple at junk yards with they key for 150-175. Is that a good price? Do I have to replace the passlock module? Can I just override it? Is there a way to fix my lock cylinder to work in the new column?

[NEMO]

Replace the column, Put your lock cylinder in,using the oringinal key.This will let the car read the key and start.

[Bugler]

That's one of the problems. My lock cylinder won't turn. Does anyone have a diagram close-up of the cylinder to see if I can figure out what might be the issue?

[Ronnie]

Does anyone have a diagram close-up of the cylinder to see if I can figure out what might be the issue?

This page may help you out. It has lots of photos. You should always check my website when you have problems. There is a lot of repair information there.

[DAVES89]

I would check with a locksmith on Monday. I think they do G.M. A G.M. dealer charges $100.00 an hour in Wi.

[NEMO]

Take the lock out,if the lock is operating properly then you can reuse it.If lock is damaged,replace lock,cut A new key,of the proper resistance. The replacement lock comes with a key that just turns the tumblers.The Pelet key is copied from that key. There are 15 different pelet keys.

[Bugler]

Is there any reason why my lock cylinder wouldnt turn after I took it out and put it back in? Should it turn when it is not in the column?

[NEMO]

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[NEMO]

the lock will turn ,out side of the column,if not damaged. The tail piece on the lock is what
makes the car start.It has a small gear that pulls a small rack,that pulls the rod connected to the start switch. This is all timed together,to releace the shifter,and unlock the steering wheel.The long wire on the lock is used to read the key.Do Not cut this wire ,it will not read the key properly if you do. Attach a wire to fallow it up the inside of the column,if replacing the lock,for easy replacement.

[Bugler]

nemo, what could I have done to make the cylinder not turn? Should I take pictures of it?

[NEMO]

I would guess that you assembled it wrong.The interconnected cable that releaces the shifter from park .This is just a guess.The quick way around this would be to get a replacememt column,cut a new key of your pelet # that works the replacement column.Check operation of this column and key then install into car.

[NEMO]

All columns are not the same,To remove the lock.I have not done this in a while.There are locks that you have to turn the lock to asscoroy possion to remove from the column.Fords are like this if I recall.Some chevy have a bolt others have spring clip you depress to releace the lock.I will look in the 1991 Reatta manual for you and see what it says

[NEMO]

All the info is in the manual.page3F-1 what do you need to know.

[NEMO]

I just took a look at the manual.Useless in telling anyone how to repair column,change the lock,or to work on the unit.There is a prosedure that must be fallowed when your working on the column.There was a video on the internet i saw on repairing the tilt column.I do not know where it is,my be You tube.

[Bugler]

I already got the cylinder out of the column. It is held in by a bolt. But even out of the column, the lock wont turn. I'm uploading pics now.

[Bugler]

[NEMO]

You have two things you can do. Have a keycut to code on a none pelet key to see if the lock works, or replace the lock with new and have the new pelet key cut to fit the new lock

[NEMO]

Is there anything inside the lock jaming it.lube the lockwith lock ease.You can now operate the column with needle nose,to see that its OK,operating properly. I see it is the type of lock that slides over a tail piece which operates the rack.

[Bugler]

I FEEL SO ANGRY RIGHT NOW!!! It was the key. It somehow chose that specific time to no longer work. I tried my spare key and it turned easy.

Now I just need a new upper bearing, race and preload cup. Any thoughts where?

[NEMO]

Try on line auto parts. A good auto parts might look it up local for you.And match up the part too.Trying the easy stuff first.