Chevrolet 1977 light duty truck, Service Manual

Page: 242 / 861

Inspection is called for in all cases w here d am ag e is
evident or w h en ev er the vehicle is being repaired due to
a fro n t end collision. W henever a force has been exerted
on the steering wheel or steering column, or its
com ponents, inspection should also be m ade. If d am ag e
is evident, the affected parts must be replaced.
The inspection procedure for the various steering
column com ponents on all C and K Series Trucks is as
follows:
Column Support B racket
D a m a g e in this area will be indicated by separation
o f the m o u n tin g capsules from the bracket. The bracket
will have moved forward toward the engine co m p a rt­
m en t and will usually result in collapsing o f the jacket
section o f the steering column.
Column J a c k e t
Inspect jacket section o f column for looseness, a n d /
or bends.
S h ifte r S h a ft
S eparation o f the shifter shaft sections will be
in tern al and can n o t be visually identified. Hold lower
end o f the "s h ifte r s h a ft" and move " s h ift lever" on
colum n through its ranges and up and down. If there is
little or no m ovem ent o f the " s h ifter sh aft", the plastic
jo in ts are sheared.
Steering S h a ft
If the steering shaft plastic pins have been sheared,
the sh aft will rattle when struck lightly from the side and
some lash m ay be felt w h en rotating the steering wheel
while hold ing the rag joint. It should be noted that if the
steering sh a ft pins are sheared due to m inor collision the
vehicle can be safely steered; however, steering shaft
replacem ent is recom m ended.
Because o f the differences in the steering column
Fig. 3B-63--Autom atic T ransm ission In d ica to r
Connection-CK-Typical
Fig. 3B-64 -Steering Column to Dash Panel-C,K
P
Typical
Fig. 3B-65--Steering Columns to Dash Panel-G
types, be sure to refer to the set o f instructions below
which apply to the column being serviced.
C and K Colum ns
Removal
N O TE: Front o f dash mounting plates must be
loosened whenever the steering column is to be
lowered from the instrument panel.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel as outlined under
"Steering Wheel Removal".
3. Remove the nuts and washers securing the
flanged end o f the steering shaft to the flexible coupling.
4. Disconnect the transm ission control linkage
from the column shift tube levers.
5. Disconnect the steering column harness at the
connector. Disconnect the neutral-start switch and back­
up lam p switch connectors if so equpped.