Possible Steering Column issues.....

Miss Piggy · Post by **Miss Piggy** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:42 pm

Hi gurus,

Just after some thoughts or advice.

It seems as though my left indicator does not activate properly. The right works as normal. After some electrical investigation, it seems that all the bulbs work fine, and power is as normal. On closer inspection, I found that the indicator stalk doesn't actually move far enough to activate the turn signal. If I hold it hard, it will just give a faint flicker.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before. Any feedback would be helpful. Is this a steering column issue or have I missed something electrical.

Car in question is a 3spd manual, EK special sedan. Mechanically standard.

Thanks

Jarrod.

FB MAD · Post by **FB MAD** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:09 pm

Without any other info, I'd guess you either need another indicator switch or need to check your earth on the indicator side that isn't working or is sort of working.

Terry.

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:55 pm

Hi Jarrod,
as Terry points out, we need to know a bit more about your fault.

I note that you mention the indicator just works if held in place - I would expect your check of all bulbs to have proved satisfactory...............?
Don't forget the one in the dash - the illuminated panel indicator.

I am of the opinion, from what you have forwarded, that something is amiss within the switch assembly............. I would suggest you remove the steering wheel, horn contact assembly (please remove horn fuse first!) and take a peek at what is going on with the switch.

Whatever the right indicator position is doing, the left must do likewise.
I think you can appreciate that this switch will have served many thousands of faithful operations - but it may just be something out of place - or indeed the switch assembly out of position..........

Let us know a bit more when you get to look at the switch assembly in operation..............Jarrod......

I'm interested in this, please post up a reply....

frats,
Rosco

Miss Piggy · Post by **Miss Piggy** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:09 am

Thanks terry and rosco.

I'll pull it down on Friday and have a look inside.

Actually, the indicator doesn't work when held in place (to the left) but operates normally when to the right (including switching off after cornering). The dash indicator lights flicker faintly, but the bulbs do not operate.

I'll take some pics of the switch as well.

Thanks

Jarrod.

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:33 am

Ok Jarrod.
Is there any unusual sounds when you turn the steering wheel left or right.
It shouldn't be the flasher unit - it is a common source for the flash - if the right is ok then the unit is fine.
I suppose we won't know much until you pull it down - look out for that steering wheel - it is held in place by a strong spring - you won't be the first to have it bonk you on the nose as it lets loose, just be warned.........

frats,
Rosco

FB MAD · Post by **FB MAD** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:24 am

Yep, I learn't the hard way as a kid with pulling the steering wheel off my FB van.

It let go and broke my nose ( first and only time nose has been broken since )

Leave the nut on a couple of turns and your nose will thank you when the wheel lets go of the spline!!

Or you could use a generic type steering wheel puller which are probably still available in Auto shops I guess.

Terry.

Miss Piggy · Post by **Miss Piggy** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:10 pm

Haha.

Thanks for the warning guys.

Rosco, there is no noise when turning the steering wheel.

Thanks

Jarrod.

rosco · Post by **rosco** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:19 pm

Thanks Jarrod,
the switch works against a bow spring - from memory it is held in place with a screw - I'm just guessing here, can't be absolutely sure.
There's a chance that either the contacts are shot or the spring has broken - or maybe both..............
As we mentioned, we won't know until you get in there - worst case - replacement switch assembly, but don't slash your wrists until you get under that steering wheel -
Terry, the suggestion to leave the nut on a couple of turns is a gem......

I usually sit to one side and play "wicket keeper".......
Guess a broken nose is a very good way to "learn fast"............
- sorry, had to have a chuckle when I read you post.......
guess I am in debt to you for one broken nose.........?

frats,
Rosco

Miss Piggy · Post by **Miss Piggy** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:24 am

Had a look inside last night.

It appears there is a few "bits" missing from the top part of the switch assembly. There's evidence of where something has broken off. I can't seem to find any drawings of the area in any workshop manual I have so I'm just going to source a new assembly.

I was going to take photos for you blokes, but it appears I have misplaced my digital camera. That's a whole other issue.

Craig · Post by **Craig** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:23 pm

Dont over look the wiring found a fault in mine in the male /female connector that floats at the terminal blocks on the inner gaurd CRC 226 was the fix pulled the connector apart cleaned it with a rag and the CRC and put it back together

Brown Bear · Post by **Brown Bear** » Tue May 06, 2008 12:51 pm

How did you go with the column issues Jarrod?

I had mine apart a few weeks back chasing a horn problem and found that the indicators and selectors were either loose or missing parts. Gear shift is now much less vague and the indicator 'snaps' into position.

I may be able to assist with an indicator assembly if you need - let me know.

Cheers,

Matt

Miss Piggy · Post by **Miss Piggy** » Tue May 06, 2008 2:45 pm

Hi matt.

I pulled it apart and part of the assembly had snapped off.

I replaced it with a unit from a mate's donor car.

The horn has stopped working now, but it's got a button rigged up under the dash as a quick-fix.