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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1980FORWARD CONTROL 5.7L ENG VIN M, AUTOMATIC TRANS, TRANS MFR CD 400/M40REPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)STEERINGSTEERING COLUMNSTEERING COLUMNSOVERHAUL"C" & "K" MODELS WITH TILT WHEELDISASSEMBLY
1980 Chevrolet Forward Control 5.7L Eng VIN M, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD 400/M40

"C" & "K" Models With Tilt Wheel: Disassembly

1980 Chevrolet Forward Control 5.7L Eng VIN M, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD 400/M40SECTION Disassembly
  1. Remove four dash panel bracket-to-column screws and lay bracket in safe place to prevent damage to mounting capsules. Place column in a vise using both weld nuts of set "A" and "B" as shown in Figure.
    CAUTION: Do not place column in vise by clamping onto only one nut or by clamping on to sides of nut not indicated by arrows.
  2. Remove directional signal switch, lock cylinder, and ignition switch. Remove tilt release lever, then drive out shift lever pivot pin and remove shift lever and housing. Remove three directional signal housing screws and remove housing.
  3. Install tilt release lever and place column in full up position. Remove tilt lever spring retainer by using a phillips screwdriver which just fits into slot opening. Insert screwdriver into slot, press in approximately 3/16", then rotate 1/8 turn counterclockwise until retainer ears align with grooves in housing, then remove retainer, spring, and guide.
  4. Remove pot joint-to-steering shaft clamp bolt, then remove intermediate shaft and pot joint assembly. Push upper steering shaft in enough to remove steering shaft upper bearing inner race and seat. Pry off lower bearing retainer clip, then remove bearing reinforcement, bearing, and bearing adapter assembly from lower end of mast jacket. Remove upper bearing housing pivot pins using special tool (J-21854-1).
    Fig 1: Removing Tilt Lever Spring Retainer
    G09318691Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  5. With tilt release lever installed, disengage lock shoes. Remove bearing housing by pulling upward to extend rack full down, then move housing to left to disengage ignition switch race from actuator rod. Remove steering shaft assembly from upper end of column. Remove centering spheres and anti-lash spring to disassemble steering shaft.
  6. Remove transmission indicator wire, if equipped. Remove steering shaft bearing housing support-to-gearshift housing screws, then remove bearing housing support. Remove ignition switch actuator rod. Use a screwdriver to remove shift tube retaining ring, then remove thrust washer.
  7. Install a puller (J-23072) to lock plate, then turn center screw of tool clockwise to force shift tube from housing. Remove shift tube (transmission control lock tube on floor shift models) from lower end of mast jacket, then remove tool from lock plate.
    CAUTION: Guide lower end of shift tube through slotted opening in mast jacket. If tube is allowed to interfere with jacket, damage may result.
  8. Remove housing support lock plate by sliding out of jacket notches, then tipping it down toward housing hub at 12 o'clock position and sliding it under jacket opening. Remove wave washer. Remove shift lever housing from mast jacket (column shift models) or transmission control lock tube housing (floor shift models). Wind up shift lever spring with pliers and pull out. Remove spring plunger on floor shift models.
  9. To disassemble bearing housing proceed as follows: Remove tilt lever opening shield, then remove lock bolt spring retaining bolt and move spring clockwise to remove it from bolt. Remove sector drive shaft snap ring, then use a small punch to lightly tap drive shaft from sector. Remove drive shaft, sector, and lock bolt. Remove rack and rack spring.
  10. Use a punch to remove tilt release lever pin. Remove lever and release lever spring. Hold lock shoes inward and wedge a block between top of shoes (over slots) and bearing housing to relieve load on release lever. Remove lock shoe retaining pin using a punch, then remove lock shoes and springs. Remove bearings from housing only if replacement is necessary.
RENDER: 1.0x

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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.