Chevrolet Light Duty Truck 1973, Service Manual

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9 - 3 8 STEERING
The transmission is locked in Park when the lock
cylinder is in "Lock", thus locking the transmission.
4.
Tilt Column Option automatic transmission
— The
upper end and steering shaft of this column is
specifically designed to accommodate the optional
tilt steering wheel. The lower portion of the column
is the same as in item number 3.
5.
Tilt Column Option Manual Transmission-This
column is the same as the automatic transmission
tilt column except incorporating provisions for the
manual transmission shifting and the transmission
is not locked when the lock cylinder is in "Lock"
position.
To perform service procedures on the steering column
upper end components, it is not necessary to remove the
column from the vehicle.
The steering wheel, horn components, directional signal
switch, and ignition lock cylinder may be removed with
the column remaining in the vehicle as described earlier
in this section.
CAUTION:
The outer mast jacket shift tube,
steering shaft and instrument panel mounting
bracket are designed as energy absorbing units.
Because of the design of these components, it is
absolutely necessary to handle the column with
care when performing any service operation.
Avoid hammering, jarring, dropping or leaning
on any portion of the column. When reassem­
bling the column components, use only the
specified screws, nuts and bolts and tighten to
specified torque. Care should be exercised in
using over-length screws or bolts as they may
prevent a portion of the column from
compressing under impact.
Inspection
To determine if the energy absorbing steering column
components are functioning as designed, or if repairs are
required, a close inspection should be made. Inspection is
called for in all cases where damage is evident or
whenever the vehicle is being repaired due to a front end
collision. Whenever a force has been exerted on the
steering wheel or steering column, or its components,
inspection should also be made. If damage is evident, the
affected parts must be replaced.
The inspection procedure for the various steering column
components on all C and K Series Trucks is as follows:
Column Support Bracket
Damage in this area will be indicated by separation of
the mounting capsules from the bracket. The bracket will
have moved forward toward the engine compartment
and will usually result in collapsing of the jacket section
of the steering column.
Column Jacket
Inspect jacket section of column for looseness, and/or
bends.
Fig. 6 1 —A u to m a tic T r a n s m is s io n In d ic a to r
C o n n e c tio n (T y p ic a l)
Shifter Shaft
Separation of the shifter shaft sections will be internal
and cannot be visually identified. Hold lower end of the
“shifter shaft” and move “shift lever” on column
through its ranges and up and down. If there is little or
no movement of the “shifter shaft”, the plastic joints are
sheared.
Steering Shaft
If the steering shaft plastic pins have been sheared, the
shaft will rattle when struck lightly from the side and
some lash may be felt when rotating the steering wheel
while holding the rag joint. It should be noted that if the
steering shaft pins are sheared due to minor collision
with no appreciable damage to other components, that
the vehicle can be safely steered; however, steering shaft
replacement is recommended.
Fig. 62—Steering Column to Dash Panel - C, P and
K Typical
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL