Steering column issue
 

Hello Forum,

this is my first time here, and I would appreciate any advice on the following.

I have a question regarding the steering shaft. After removal of the steering wheel (had to tap on the back side with a rubber mallet to get it out) for access to electrical issues. Upon reinstallation and tighteningif I pull up on the sterring wheel it will lift about a 1/2", the horn will not work in this position, although the sterring is engaging in either position. I am sure the spindle is well seated on the steering wheel, Do you guys think I have broken this shaft or do I need to be concerned.
I have iwo 1985 GS models and the other car does not have that lift play in the wheel or steering shaft.
Thank you

Respectfully,

Rogue12

i changed my steering column and there was no problem. make sure everything was well tighten and flush, that all i can suggest. good luck

You have broken a plastic shear pin in the steering shaft. It has a telescoping arrangement so that it can collapse in the case of a frontal impact. there are several write ups on how to deal with it. Search the archives and you will see them.

Never use a hammer and if you use the proven "rock the steering wheel back and forth while pulling steadily" technique you will not even need a puller to get the wheel to release from the shaft.

Okay thanks Mr. Watson,
I will search the archives, I will assume for now that the car is not safe for the road.

the car is safe for the road. the steering wheel will not come off when driving and your steering column will not magically fall apart. its an item that i would look into fixing at your leasure.

Even better, sounds like a plan. It can wait if the car is road worthy.

Thank you for the input.

Watson,
Many thanks for your post. My steering column has the same problem as Rogue 12's, and I was wondering what the problem could be.

I have experienced this when moving the seat up...damn wheel pops out a bit. Never thought of it as a 'problem' but I guess it could be. I just pop it back in and hit the horn for good measure lol

Photo of the shear pins, for illustration purposes. Meter stick is showing distance from the top of the steering gear:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...f/IMG_0005.jpg

The horn being intermittent is probably due to breakage of the ground wire that connects the two sections of the shaft, so that your horn has an intermittent ground:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...f/IMG_0003.jpg

Welcome to the forums.
As you may or may not be aware, there is fairly active Edmonton Rx7 community.
http://www.edmontonrx7club.com/
There are often meets at southgate mall throughout the summer.