Key switch removal

[UHcostUH]

Hey guys I have lots the key to my truck and I desperately need to move it. I already have the steering wheel off but now I am stuck if any one can help me from this point it would be much apreciated. I just need it to drive down the road.

[ChevyTech]

There is a tool for removing the lock plate that makes it much easier to take apart.

Tilt & non tilt both have a lock plate so here are some steering column sites with photos that tell how to repair loose tilt columns. The photos should be helpful.

http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html

http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html = does not work anymore

Looks like on this site he did the quick fix and did not take it apart far enough to tighten all four fasteners.
http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html


Older car but good photos
http://buickperformance.com/tiltstee...lumnwobble.htm

[UHcostUH]

what is they lock plate? Is it that gear looking thing you see in the pic?

[ChevyTech]

Originally Posted by UHcostUH

what is they lock plate? Is it that gear looking thing you see in the pic?

Yes;

It locks the column so it will only turn when the key is turned.

[UHcostUH]

do they sell these tools at advance?

[HumbleChevyBuddy]

Yes, the tool will push that plate back a bit towards the engine compartment, then you can pry out the round little clip from the middle shaft with a flat screwdriver. That will allow you to take the whole plate off, pull the turn signal assembly out, and finally get to the back screw holding the ignition assembly in place.

A word of advice, either rent the tool or buy it. Without it is going to be a MAJOR headache. Some people have even made their own. I bought mine at Autozone.

[HumbleChevyBuddy]

This is what it looks like:

[UHcostUH]

Yeah that is probably what I am going to do. Is it simple after you get that plate out?

[HumbleChevyBuddy]

Originally Posted by UHcostUH

Yeah that is probably what I am going to do. Is it simple after you get that plate out?

It's pretty simple, just make sure you don't damage the turn signal assembly. You will have to pull the entire assembly out a bit to get it out of the way. If you look in there, you might just be able to get to the screw that's holding the old lock cylinder in place without taking the turn signal assembly out too much. Some ignition lock cylinders don't have a screw, so it all depends on how you have yours. Honestly, it probably took a couple of minutes to get the old one out and the new one in....with that tool.

[HumbleChevyBuddy]

I forgot to mention the horn assembly, too. Just make sure you're very careful and don't force anything.

[UHcostUH]

Well thanks for the help guys I really need to get the tires off of this truck and put them on my other because it is getting rather dangerous. Keep an eye out for the rebuild thread for the 86 starting soon