Steering...please help!

[Frankd1]

I'm having issues and I just got the car, lol

I was turning the steering wheel trying to get the ignition switch to unlock.

It was heavy but I figured due to front end weight of car.

I got the wheel turned to the right and then it felt like something let go...the wheel is locked to the right and has some loose play left and right.

If I look at the shaft it is turning all the way to the firewall, but almost feels like it's not connected in the steering box.

Also, the wheels are not turned all the way to the right either it seems.

Does it sound like something snapped in the box?

Should I pull it? Any how to's on this?

So frustrated, I just want to get this car moving..

[lglade]

Pulling the box is a lot of work and you don't want to head down that path unless you mean it. Jack the car up first, put it on some jack stands, and pull the front wheels. Have someone turn the steering wheel while you look at the spindles and check out the steering arms. It should become obvious fairly quickly where the problem is located. Also be sure to check out the steering idler on the passenger side while you're inspecting the other components; the bushings in mine were toast and had to be replaced.

If you need to pull the steering box, then there is a nice write-up in here with pictures showing how to do it. You're going to need a 3/8" ratchet, with a swivel, and 18 or more inches worth of extensions to pull the starter bolts to get it out, though.

I pulled mine and was glad to have the opportunity to clean out the thirty year old lubricant inside; it's not a hard job, but it takes some time.

Best of luck.

[Frankd1]

I popped the front end up and slid underneath - everything as far as linkages go look good.

Problem is that the steering wheel is turned to the right and it is locked now. There is about an inch of play left and right and the steering wheel stops after an inch of travel left and right. It also feels really loose in that little bit of movement.

If I look under the dash I can see the steering shafts moving as well - however I can't get the wheel back to Center.

The front wheels of the car don't seem like they are turned enough to the right to correspond with how far to the right the steering wheel is.

It's like something let go inside the steering box and now the steering wheel is locked..

Is this even possible?

Or is it locked further up, under the steering wheel itself - in the steering column?

[cormac]

Pretty sure you have looked at this but it almost sounds like something that happened to my Fiat over 30 years ago...

check the idler arm where it bolts to unibody/frame, the wing/part of casting that bolt went thru to body cracked and separated from idler arm, and while you are at it check the attachment at steering box as well...just a thought

good luck

[lglade]

At the risk of stating the obvious, you're sure the steering column isn't just locked up, right? The steering box components are pretty beefy, but I guess I wouldn't rule out a failure either. If you decide to go forward with pulling the steering box, make sure to get a small pitman puller to disassemble the steering rods:

http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/pi ... 55631_0_0/

Check out the steering rod ends & boots thoroughly, and repair/replace them as necessary. eBay has some used steering boxes available, and at least one of our trusted vendors has a new one for sale too.

In boca al lupo (Italian equivalent of 'break a leg').

[Frankd1]

I just had another look underneath...

Idler is solidly mounted to the frame as is the steering box. None of the tabs appear cracked or broken. All linkages and ball joints appear solid. They are fairly new..

While the front end was up I tried turning the wheels by grabbing the driver side wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock. I could not straighten them but if I wiggled the wheel I could see the steering wheel wiggle as well.

After I lowered the car I tried turning the steering wheel again. I could only go left and right about an inch. It's definitely hitting against a stop in both directions.

Is it possible that a locking pin is stuck causing the steering wheel to lock? I'm guessing this requires pulling the steering column apart...

I noticed that once the weight of the car was on wheels and wiggling the steering wheel, it felt more normal and not loose as it was with the front end up...

Maybe I'm over thinking about it being a steering box issue but is it possible for something to break, jam or come loose in that unit?

[131]

Is the ignition switch steering lock disengaged?

[lglade]

With one hand on the steering wheel and one on the key, turn the steering wheel in either direction enough to take the pre-load (stress) off of the ignition lock cylinder. Turn the ignition key to turn to the first position to release the column lock, and then try turning your steering wheel. If you're lucky the wheel will turn from lock-to-lock in either direction.

[lglade]

[DieselSpider]

Is the ignition switch steering lock disengaged?

That is what I am getting from the inch of play and then no more.

And the answer is???

[Frankd1]

I will try and get to it today.

it definitely feels like a steering lock is engaged..

I will report back once I take a look again

Thanks all!

[Frankd1]

I tried to get the steering lock to disengage...no luck

The wheel is turned to the right, the key goes in the switch but I can't turn the key and the wheel only turns left and right 1" before hitting the stops.

Doesn't seem like the pins want to disengage..I don't want to force anything and risk breaking the key off or damaging the steering column

Any suggestions or am I missing something else?

Thanks

[spider2081]

Any chance you have the wrong key??? If you have more than one key have you tried both of them?? I would keep the front wheels of the ground while you are trying to free the ignition locking pin.

[Frankd1]

I have one key for ignition and one for the doors and trunk..

I tried with front wheels off the ground as well with no luck...the pins just don't want to release. Frustrating

[131]

Drill the shear bolts out of the ignition securing clamp on the column and remove the ignition unit.