Tilt Column Rebuild

[mustang7173]

Hello To All,

Well, I thought I was done with my Tilt column maintenance rebuild. But, I could not get the Upper and Lower actuators to work properly. The issue is that it rear would motion only moves approximately about 5/16 of an inch and sticks. The lower actuator will move backwards to the spring with me pushing on it. It really sticks at that point. To move it back towards the front, I really have to push on to move it. I noticed that there is spring mounted behind the lower actuator.

I believe that the lower actuator should move freely front to back with ease. I would like to hear from the experts who know the inner workings of the tilt column. I have included a picture of the lower actuator to help evaluate the issue.

mustang7173

 

[Mister 4x4]

Is that your lower actuator, or just a picture of one? I ask because I know mine was really gummed up with old lubricant and dirt - along with the channel it fits in. After cleaning out all the crud and putting a small amount of white lithium grease on the shaft, it seemed to move a lot more freely. Also check for debris or some metal shavings in there as well.

Another issue I had with mine was getting the gear inside the key cylinder housing to line up with the teeth on the upper actuator (so the key cylinder would move it properly.

I hope that helps - I know without having mine torn apart in front of me, it's tough to remember how all those parts go back together. The diagram helps a little, but having it all there in front of you is a lot better.

 

[mustang7173]

Hello Eric,

That is a picture for reference. Eric, you are probably correct on that assessment. So, hopefully this evening, I can get back to my shop. I am going to follow your recommendation to clean the crud and old grease out of the upper actuator.

Yes, I broke out the 1973 Ford Manuals and saw that it was imperative to get gear inside the key cylinder housing to line up with the teeth on the upper actuator.

Eric, I will respond back with my results. Thank You for responding!

mustang7173

 

[Mister 4x4]

My Pleasure! I was fortunate enough to get mine back together (by building a 'good' one from two 'bad' ones, that is), and I'm happy to share any information I have... which ain't much... but better than nothing, I suppose. rofl

Something else to check - did you hook up the actuating rod to the ignition switch itself? If so, you might check the switch to make sure it cycles through all positions - if it's hung up or broken inside, it would also prevent the lower actuator from moving as well.

Good luck, and hope that helps, Brutha!

 

[mustang7173]

Eric,

Yes, the switch on the column works good! Thank goodness. Dang parts are not cheap anymore. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated!! I will post to update the status!

mustang7173

David

 

[mustang7173]

Good Morning Eric,

Good News! So, I cleaned the lower actuator per your recommendation and it did loosen up a bit. I was still real tight when the actuator was pushed backwards. I kept messing with for about 20 minutes. Then, I figured, what the hey, it felt like it was binding in the channel. So, I take a pair of Vise-Grips and adjusted it downwards. What do you know, It slides in and out like silk. Put the tilt column back together, aligned key switch and it switches the best that I have seen since I have had the column.

Some how or another, I believe the lower actuator rod got bent upwards. Not sure how or when this happened. It has been like this for a while.

By the way, I was able to insert one of the 3E701 spring into the key lock cylinder. It sure tightened up the lock cylinder.

Thank You for Your Help!

mustang7173

David

My Pleasure! I was fortunate enough to get mine back together (by building a 'good' one from two 'bad' ones, that is), and I'm happy to share any information I have... which ain't much... but better than nothing, I suppose. rofl

Something else to check - did you hook up the actuating rod to the ignition switch itself? If so, you might check the switch to make sure it cycles through all positions - if it's hung up or broken inside, it would also prevent the lower actuator from moving as well.

Good luck, and hope that helps, Brutha!

 

[Mister 4x4]

Good Morning Eric,

Good News! So, I cleaned the lower actuator per your recommendation and it did loosen up a bit. I was still real tight when the actuator was pushed backwards. I kept messing with for about 20 minutes. Then, I figured, what the hey, it felt like it was binding in the channel. So, I take a pair of Vise-Grips and adjusted it downwards. What do you know, It slides in and out like silk. Put the tilt column back together, aligned key switch and it switches the best that I have seen since I have had the column.

Some how or another, I believe the lower actuator rod got bent upwards. Not sure how or when this happened. It has been like this for a while.

By the way, I was able to insert one of the 3E701 spring into the key lock cylinder. It sure tightened up the lock cylinder.

Thank You for Your Help!

mustang7173

David

SWEET!! Glad it worked out!

When I pulled both of mine apart, I was in awe at how the pivot on the 'newer' column had completely sheered (even though it was apparently a sturdier design). My original column had some worn out parts which caused it to not tilt at all. Fortunately, the worn out parts in the old column weren't the same bad parts as in the newer column, and I was able to make a good one out of both.

I'll be checking into the key cylinder spring idea - mine still feels a little sloppy. Thanks for the good idea on that.

Congrats, Man! ::thumb::