steering wheel
 

Does anyone know if there is a spring that is to be placed under the wheel before placing it on the steering shaft?

I have a basket case of a column and am trying to re-assemble it. So far I am left with parts that look like they might go on but I don't know. I have the CD-ROM that shows the original catalog of parts from Chevrolet but that doesn't show a 1971 column exploded with all parts.

Michael

Re: steering wheel
 

Does this help?

Re: steering wheel
 

There is a spring that goes under/behind the turn signal switch. It's shown on this LMC page as not available.

Re: steering wheel
 

I just happen to have two of those springs. The problem is that when I place it under the wheel and turn signal cam, it makes it VERY difficult to get the wheel onto the column far enough to start the nut that holds the wheel down.

Re: steering wheel
 

I only wish I could find someone in SoCal from this site that is knowledgeable about these trucks! I could use the education and help.

Re: steering wheel
 

I do have the LMC catalog and I do see where it shows the spring....

But thanks for the help any ways.....

Re: steering wheel
 

It does take a bit of pressure. It's a pretty robust spring. It might help if you can measure the length and post a pic of your spring(s).

Re: steering wheel
 

If you don't have a service manual get one. Usable copies can be downloaded from the link inmy signature.

Re: steering wheel
 

Is the spring at the bottom end, where it comes out the firewall, under the hood compressed? (#19)If not, compress that spring and push the whole shaft up into the column, and it might allow you enough to put the wheel nut on?

Re: steering wheel
 

I think this might help. I don't have any pics so I'll try to explain it. There is a fairly heavy spring (1 inch long, maybe 3/4 inch around) that goes on underneath the canceling cam. It should go like this; spring, canceling cam, steering wheel, then the nut. And you have to push down on the steering wheel to compress the spring while starting the nut. I hope this answers your question.

Re: steering wheel
 

Oops... I meant to say cancelling can, not turn signal switch in post #3. Hope that didn't mislead you.