1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

cant get steering column lock off

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-27-10, 10:05 AM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
Rearwheelsonly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Missouri
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cant get steering column lock off

I have read the fsm and cant figure out how to get the steering column lock off my 84 GS. It says to use a chisel to loosen the bolts. What is that supposed to mean? Please someone who has done this let me know. Thanks
Old 05-27-10, 10:46 AM
  #2  
Stigulus Moderatorai

iTrader: (3)
 
Sgt Fox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,105
Received 24 Likes on 17 Posts
Use a cold chisel to back out the bolts. Place it at a 30 degree angle to the head of the bolt on the right side and tap. You are trying to get the chisel to dig into the head slightly and unscrew the bolt.
Old 05-27-10, 02:01 PM
  #3  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
Rearwheelsonly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Missouri
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well it finally came off. Now I am stuck on the nut at the base of the steering column on the top of the steering box. I have tried using a hammer and flat head. I tried a large pair of channel locks. Any other suggestions?
Old 05-27-10, 02:04 PM
  #4  
Old Fart Young at Heart

iTrader: (6)
 
trochoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: St Joe MO
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
I slot the heads of the safety bolts with a die grinder and 1/8" cutting disc, then use a screw driver. A small pair of 5R vice grips will work too.
Old 05-27-10, 03:05 PM
  #5  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (8)
 
Rotospeed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Southwest
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by trochoid
I slot the heads of the safety bolts with a die grinder and 1/8" cutting disc, then use a screw driver.
this works good and is not hard to do at all
Old 05-27-10, 08:38 PM
  #6  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,710
Received 1,051 Likes on 891 Posts
Originally Posted by Rearwheelsonly
Well it finally came off. Now I am stuck on the nut at the base of the steering column on the top of the steering box. I have tried using a hammer and flat head. I tried a large pair of channel locks. Any other suggestions?
just pull the shaft out of the box. the nut doesn't need to be loosened.
Old 05-27-10, 10:18 PM
  #7  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
Rearwheelsonly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Missouri
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't follow. I am following the re-speed install guide, rack and pinion kit, and a write up on this board and both say that i need to pull that nut to get the shaft out.

Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
just pull the shaft out of the box. the nut doesn't need to be loosened.
Old 05-27-10, 10:27 PM
  #8  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,710
Received 1,051 Likes on 891 Posts
the last one that i removed just slid out without removing the nut. you can remove the steering box with column through the engine bay if you so desire.
Old 05-28-10, 02:33 AM
  #9  
Stigulus Moderatorai

iTrader: (3)
 
Sgt Fox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,105
Received 24 Likes on 17 Posts
IIRC you do need to remove that nut.. unless your shaft is broken and the upper can slide from the lower. Use a cold chisel and a hammer or a pin spanner
Old 06-07-10, 02:39 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
SWeblin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just installed the re-speed kit last week. My outer steering shaft came out without removing the nut. The lower inner shaft is replaced by the re-speed one, so you just need to separate it from the upper inner shaft by whatever means necessary -- mine just took a couple hammer taps, but I think I got lucky. You can leave the lower one attached to the box and therefore the nut can stay on.

-S




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:00 AM.