URGENT - Steering Wheel Troubles!

[jozza87]

I have an '88 VN, had an old timber wheel on it when i bought it and an old boss kit which the horn did not work on and the indicators didnt cancel. So i went and got a new wheel and boss kit and the indicators still dont cancel and horn doesnt work. What i think it is is that the boss kit does not sit far enough down the steering column to reach and little brass push button thing which the horn contacts, and the indicator return switch.

I found out that two different boss kits were made for the vn one being longer which is what ive got but the short one isnt made anymore.

Anyone heard of this on a VN??

The blinker return is lined up properly but it doesnt reach the return switch on the indicator stalk - its not long enough :S???? I tried to put a stock wheel on and its doing the same thing - it doesnt reach the indicator return switch or the horn connector - what the hell is going on here?? ive got some photos to try show it a bit better. Does anything look out lof place here? like that washer on the end of the steering column circled on red should that be sitting there? Also there is a pic from the side showing the gap between the back stock steering wheel and the column - you can also see how it doesnt reach the horn contact.

What on earth is going on people - any ideas - need this fixed ASAP for roadworthy!!

[308vkcalais]

Can't really see by the pic but sounds like sumbody has pushed the entire steering shaft inwards(possibly removing the steering wheel previously)into the steering intermidiate shaft inside the engine bay.A few bangs on the end of the steering columm bolt can be enuf sumtimes to slightly push the steering shaft into the intermidiate shaft & therefore shorten its overall lenthg inside the cabin.I've taken 2 steering columms out of VK's b4, they maybe similar so I'm going off files in my head here.Remove the trim from the base part of the columm, this will help you see more.3 screws hold the bearing assembly/ign lock/indicator & horn contacts on the steering support tube.This hollow tube under dash collapses in the event of a sudden impact.It's bolted under the dash around your knee area.The steering shaft itself passes thru the fire wall near the drivers side engine exhaust bank & there it turns in2 an intermidiate shaft(like a small diff) which again reduces in length 4 impacts.The intermidiate shaft is hollow & has bolts on both ends.The distance in there is wat I think your missing at the other end.The indidcator cancel is operated by a cam on the back of the steering wheel itself.

[ST3V3N]

i have replaced my steering columnon my vn commodore and it is too short possably from hitting with hammer to remove the steering wheel any ideas on if it can be streched again and how
need this fixed ASAP for roadworthy thanks guys cheers

[Nevyn]

sounds like u have collapsed the column .....u'll need another one....and NEVER NEVER NEVER hit the centre of the column to get the wheel off.....I use a harmonic balancer remover to do mine....so simple

[ST3V3N]

i have streched it out would it still b safe to use?

[Nevyn]

I wouldn't think it would be safe now......anyone got more info on the coloumns once they have collapsed?

[ST3V3N]

doh

[Calaber]

I wouldn't think it would be safe now......anyone got more info on the coloumns once they have collapsed?

If the design of the steering shaft is the same principle as the collapsible columns used in the old traditional Holdens, it comprises a centre shaft which slides inside an outer shaft. The two parts are circular in cross section, but have large flats on either side to prevent the inner shaft spinning within the outer. They are secured together with an injected nylon type material which holds the inner shaft in its correct position within the outer.

When you belt the steering column, you drive the inner shaft down inside the outer and break the little nylon securing pins. These can't be repaired or replaced.

You can pull the inner shaft back up into its correct position and re-attached the steering wheel correctly, but in theory there is then nothing to prevent you actually pulling the wheel and inner shaft clean out the top of the column, which might not be very comforting. It is certainly a defect which should be addressed by replacing the complete inner shaft from a wreck.

[Morton]

Yup, you need a new column OP They're not too hard to remove. Disconnect from pinion, and then unbolt 2x nuts up the top of the shaft, and 3x (I think) nuts at the firewall. Disconnect all relevant wiring, and the column slides out, up into the car.

Installation of the new shaft is a bit of a challenge, because you have to line up the sleeve on the pinion at the engine side, while holding up the column in the car. I personally created a sling of cable ties to slide the column in through, but a helper is preferable

[ST3V3N]

Thanks guys for the advice i dont think i will risk it .It looks like i am off to the wreckers again more $$$$ grrrrrrrr