Drop a Steering Column - 73 Electra

[JohnO]

Has anybody taken a steering column out of a 73 Electra? I just want to make sure I do it right in order to replace the ignition switch.

What I don't understand is even if you disconnect the transmission linkage, the lever (which the linkage is connected to) looks like it could not fit through the hole when you pull the steering wheel out. It would appear as though you have to remove the lever as well.

Do you have to remove the lever? Is it hard to reconnect he flexible coupling. Thank you.

[NTX5467]

No need to remove the steering column from the car, if it's like other GM cars of that era. In reality, you don't even need to "drop" it.

If it's like other similar GM steering locking steering columns, what the key goes into is only the ignition lock cylinder. There is a gear on the end of the cylinder that moves a "rack" which runs a rod that works the actual electrical switch at the base of the steering column. Just two screws hold the switch to the top of the column's "jacket", usually a long rectangular switch with the ignition wiring harness plugging into it. Probably plastic now, but the original one might be more of a ceramic construction.

With the key in "LOCK" position, when you get the switch off of the column, the new switch should have an "index pin" in it to hold the inner slide in a particular position for installation. With the trans in "PARK" and the ignition in "LOCK", the new switch should go on where the earlier one was with little change of the ending position. Remove the index pin before use, but after installation. Probably about a 30 minute job.

The ignition switch will run "parallel" with the column. The backup light/neutral safety switch runs "across" the base of the column, parallel with the firewall.

Even if the reason the switch is not working correctly is wear on gears and rack, the disassembly to fix that (with a new rack "kit", or pieces thereof), can be done "in car" too.

Just run the seat all the way rearward and ease into the floorboard and you'll see where everything is located on the lower part of the steering column.

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[JohnO]

I finally found the time to tackle the job. I disconnected the transmission gear at the brake booster, and the gear selector on the column. After that I took off the two nuts that secure the steering column to the bracket under the dash - lowered the column and had unrestricted access to the ignition switch which sits on top of the column.

For a non-tilt column, the key position is supposed to be in the off nonlock position as opposed to a tilt wheel where it is supposed to be in the lock position. There are two different switches - nontilt and tilt.

I took off the two nuts that secure the switch to the column and brought the switch into a position where I could easily unplug the wires using a screwdriver for a little leverage.

Not a tough job once you have done it. Unfortunately the Buick shop manual does not cover removal of the switch as a stand-alone. It covers it as a part of the disassembly of the whole steering column. You do not have to take the steering wheel etc. off to do this, but you do have to drop the steering column for access. The steering wheel is sitting on the drivers seat while you do the job.

[NTX5467]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad everything worked out well for you.

Enjoy!

NTX5467