Dragonist

Need help on changong the ignition tumbler on a 72 holiday coupe

joe_padavano

http://buickperformance.com/tiltstee...lumnwobble.htm

This website actually goes further than the lock cylinder, since it's showing how to repair the wobble in a tilt column, but the steps up to the point of removing the lock cylinder are the same on any 1969-up column, so just stop there.

MDchanic

Nice set of instructions, Joe. I'm keeping those in case I've ever got to disassemble a tilt column.

I'd be inclined to simplify it to:

• Remove steering wheel pad / horn button.
• Remove steering wheel - use a steering wheel puller.
• Remove 3 screws and remove dust cover.
• You MAY be able to get a small screwdriver in to depress the ignition cylinder retaining tang WITHOUT removing the steering lock plate if you use the steering wheel to carefully turn the wheel to the right sopt, then insert the screwdriver into a cutout in the lock plate.
• If you can't get to the retaining tang, then you CAN get the lock plate off and on without the tool (though the tool only costs about $10) by pressing forcefully against the plate with one hand, while manipulating the circlip with a screwdriver with the other hand, then working it off with two screwdrivers.
• The spot to press to release the cylinder is a vertical slot, roughly where the yellow line points.
  It can be released in any ignition switch position.

- Eric

joe_padavano

Been there, done that. One problem is that you can push the steering shaft down into the column if the lock plate is stuck on the shaft. Get the tool, which pulls up on the steering shaft to avoid this problem.

MDchanic

Yeah. I'm too cheap to buy the tool. By now, I think it's become a matter of principle.

I've got a whole system for how I put the steering wheel nut back on as a grab handle, work the ring down, grabbing the wheel nut every minute or so to pull it back up, and pressing the plate down against the spring all at the same time.

Hmmmmm... Maybe I should break down and get the tool...

- Eric

Dragonist

I put this post up to help out my friend Greasyant...I figure the column needs to be replace...I originally was push at the right location, the problem why the tumbler wouldn't come out to the car was in gear