Mike Romain

What about using an open ended wrench? I sometimes can get one on
things end on and then I grab the wrench with vise grips to turn it.
Even 1/12 turn at a time having to flip the wrench every time will still
get you there.

I also have nut driver sockets that have 'much' thinner walls on them
than ratchet sockets and some deep well ratchet sockets with thin walls.

I also have an 8" set of needle nosed vise grips that can fit into some
strange places.

I don't think the nuts need to be torqued on hard, just dabbed with some
loctite in the threads so it won't back off. The loctite will wick if
put on after.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
>
> No, I still can't get in. I found this for what I'm trying to do:
>
> "Now you are ready to pull the pivot pins out. There are two of them
> going in the sides at about the 3:00 and 9:00 positions. They are about
> 3/8" in diameter and have a small hole threaded in the middle (#10-32 I
> believe) I managed to break off a bolt in one of these which required
> that I pull the entire steering column out to get the bolt drilled out
> so be careful. The GM tool looks like this:
> | |
> | |<-----------threaded rod
> | | |="===|" <------- nut
> ____________ | | | |<------ semi circle housing | ||
> | | || | || ||<--------threads into pivot pin
> To use this you thread it into the pivot pin. Make sure that the
> housing is solidly against the column, not interfering with the pivot
> pin. Tighten the nut down while holding the threaded rod still to pull
> the pivot pin out.
>
> The tool that I first tried to make was similar to the above using a
> bolt and a socket. I do not know what went wrong exactly but I broke
> the bolt off inside the pivot pin.
>
> The guy that drilled out the bolt said that you can pull the pins by
> threading a bolt in and prying up with a pair of pliers."
>
> I tried using a bolt and nut but I couldn't find a nut big enough.
> Auto Zone had no idea what I was talking about - they recommended I
> call the local Jeep dealer for some advice. They were also no help.
> So I'm going to try doing it myself again. Wish me luck.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > Would tilting the wheel help? Sometimes one set can be had with the
> > wheel up and the other with the wheel tilted down.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > The Merg wrote:
> > >
> > > I had to go rent the tool - I tried to push it down while my brother
> > > pulled he snap ring but it didn't work.
> > > I have the housing off now but I can't get to the bolts. I'm trying to
> > > use a 3/8" socket, and I can see two of the bolts but I just can't get
> > > to 'em. Should I go get a 1/4" socket or do I need to pull more off?
> > >
> > > I'm trying to use Earle's link as a guide:
> > > http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html
> > > but it's a little vague on this part.
> > >
> > > On Dec 29, 11:30 am, Lee Ayrton <layr...@panix.com> wrote:
> > > > Ha. Not all of us have a vice on the end of each arm. I'm envious.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, 28 Dec 2006, Spdloader wrote:
> > > > > I simply take my left hand, compress the plate, then pick the snap ring off
> > > > > with a pick or tiny screwdriver.
> > > > > Takes about 15 seconds.
> > > > > Spdloader
> > > >
> > > > > "The Merg" <greg.merg...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > >news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegro ups.com...
> > > > >> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> > > > >> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> > > > >> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> > > > >> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> > > > >> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> > > > >> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> > > > >> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> > > > >> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> > > > >> from around the steering column?
> > > >
> > > > >> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> > > > >>http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/--
> > > > "I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
> > > > whips....r"
> > > > R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

Mike Romain

What about using an open ended wrench? I sometimes can get one on
things end on and then I grab the wrench with vise grips to turn it.
Even 1/12 turn at a time having to flip the wrench every time will still
get you there.

I also have nut driver sockets that have 'much' thinner walls on them
than ratchet sockets and some deep well ratchet sockets with thin walls.

I also have an 8" set of needle nosed vise grips that can fit into some
strange places.

I don't think the nuts need to be torqued on hard, just dabbed with some
loctite in the threads so it won't back off. The loctite will wick if
put on after.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
>
> No, I still can't get in. I found this for what I'm trying to do:
>
> "Now you are ready to pull the pivot pins out. There are two of them
> going in the sides at about the 3:00 and 9:00 positions. They are about
> 3/8" in diameter and have a small hole threaded in the middle (#10-32 I
> believe) I managed to break off a bolt in one of these which required
> that I pull the entire steering column out to get the bolt drilled out
> so be careful. The GM tool looks like this:
> | |
> | |<-----------threaded rod
> | | |="===|" <------- nut
> ____________ | | | |<------ semi circle housing | ||
> | | || | || ||<--------threads into pivot pin
> To use this you thread it into the pivot pin. Make sure that the
> housing is solidly against the column, not interfering with the pivot
> pin. Tighten the nut down while holding the threaded rod still to pull
> the pivot pin out.
>
> The tool that I first tried to make was similar to the above using a
> bolt and a socket. I do not know what went wrong exactly but I broke
> the bolt off inside the pivot pin.
>
> The guy that drilled out the bolt said that you can pull the pins by
> threading a bolt in and prying up with a pair of pliers."
>
> I tried using a bolt and nut but I couldn't find a nut big enough.
> Auto Zone had no idea what I was talking about - they recommended I
> call the local Jeep dealer for some advice. They were also no help.
> So I'm going to try doing it myself again. Wish me luck.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > Would tilting the wheel help? Sometimes one set can be had with the
> > wheel up and the other with the wheel tilted down.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > The Merg wrote:
> > >
> > > I had to go rent the tool - I tried to push it down while my brother
> > > pulled he snap ring but it didn't work.
> > > I have the housing off now but I can't get to the bolts. I'm trying to
> > > use a 3/8" socket, and I can see two of the bolts but I just can't get
> > > to 'em. Should I go get a 1/4" socket or do I need to pull more off?
> > >
> > > I'm trying to use Earle's link as a guide:
> > > http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html
> > > but it's a little vague on this part.
> > >
> > > On Dec 29, 11:30 am, Lee Ayrton <layr...@panix.com> wrote:
> > > > Ha. Not all of us have a vice on the end of each arm. I'm envious.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, 28 Dec 2006, Spdloader wrote:
> > > > > I simply take my left hand, compress the plate, then pick the snap ring off
> > > > > with a pick or tiny screwdriver.
> > > > > Takes about 15 seconds.
> > > > > Spdloader
> > > >
> > > > > "The Merg" <greg.merg...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > >news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegro ups.com...
> > > > >> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> > > > >> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> > > > >> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> > > > >> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> > > > >> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> > > > >> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> > > > >> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> > > > >> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> > > > >> from around the steering column?
> > > >
> > > > >> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> > > > >>http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/--
> > > > "I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
> > > > whips....r"
> > > > R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

Mike Romain

What about using an open ended wrench? I sometimes can get one on
things end on and then I grab the wrench with vise grips to turn it.
Even 1/12 turn at a time having to flip the wrench every time will still
get you there.

I also have nut driver sockets that have 'much' thinner walls on them
than ratchet sockets and some deep well ratchet sockets with thin walls.

I also have an 8" set of needle nosed vise grips that can fit into some
strange places.

I don't think the nuts need to be torqued on hard, just dabbed with some
loctite in the threads so it won't back off. The loctite will wick if
put on after.

Mike

The Merg wrote:
>
> No, I still can't get in. I found this for what I'm trying to do:
>
> "Now you are ready to pull the pivot pins out. There are two of them
> going in the sides at about the 3:00 and 9:00 positions. They are about
> 3/8" in diameter and have a small hole threaded in the middle (#10-32 I
> believe) I managed to break off a bolt in one of these which required
> that I pull the entire steering column out to get the bolt drilled out
> so be careful. The GM tool looks like this:
> | |
> | |<-----------threaded rod
> | | |="===|" <------- nut
> ____________ | | | |<------ semi circle housing | ||
> | | || | || ||<--------threads into pivot pin
> To use this you thread it into the pivot pin. Make sure that the
> housing is solidly against the column, not interfering with the pivot
> pin. Tighten the nut down while holding the threaded rod still to pull
> the pivot pin out.
>
> The tool that I first tried to make was similar to the above using a
> bolt and a socket. I do not know what went wrong exactly but I broke
> the bolt off inside the pivot pin.
>
> The guy that drilled out the bolt said that you can pull the pins by
> threading a bolt in and prying up with a pair of pliers."
>
> I tried using a bolt and nut but I couldn't find a nut big enough.
> Auto Zone had no idea what I was talking about - they recommended I
> call the local Jeep dealer for some advice. They were also no help.
> So I'm going to try doing it myself again. Wish me luck.
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > Would tilting the wheel help? Sometimes one set can be had with the
> > wheel up and the other with the wheel tilted down.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > The Merg wrote:
> > >
> > > I had to go rent the tool - I tried to push it down while my brother
> > > pulled he snap ring but it didn't work.
> > > I have the housing off now but I can't get to the bolts. I'm trying to
> > > use a 3/8" socket, and I can see two of the bolts but I just can't get
> > > to 'em. Should I go get a 1/4" socket or do I need to pull more off?
> > >
> > > I'm trying to use Earle's link as a guide:
> > > http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html
> > > but it's a little vague on this part.
> > >
> > > On Dec 29, 11:30 am, Lee Ayrton <layr...@panix.com> wrote:
> > > > Ha. Not all of us have a vice on the end of each arm. I'm envious.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Thu, 28 Dec 2006, Spdloader wrote:
> > > > > I simply take my left hand, compress the plate, then pick the snap ring off
> > > > > with a pick or tiny screwdriver.
> > > > > Takes about 15 seconds.
> > > > > Spdloader
> > > >
> > > > > "The Merg" <greg.merg...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > >news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegro ups.com...
> > > > >> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> > > > >> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> > > > >> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> > > > >> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> > > > >> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> > > > >> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> > > > >> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> > > > >> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> > > > >> from around the steering column?
> > > >
> > > > >> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> > > > >>http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/--
> > > > "I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
> > > > whips....r"
> > > > R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

The Merg

And here's the tool I need that no one has:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1243
any suggestions on how to make one up?

The Merg

And here's the tool I need that no one has:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1243
any suggestions on how to make one up?

The Merg

And here's the tool I need that no one has:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1243
any suggestions on how to make one up?

Jeff Strickland

Therej is a GM Steering Wheel Lock Puller, or something to that effect, that
you need to get that snap ring off. I recall it costing about $10. I think
you can borrow it from the AutoZone Loaner Tool program.




"The Merg" <greg.mergner@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com...
> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> from around the steering column?
>
> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/
>

Jeff Strickland

Therej is a GM Steering Wheel Lock Puller, or something to that effect, that
you need to get that snap ring off. I recall it costing about $10. I think
you can borrow it from the AutoZone Loaner Tool program.




"The Merg" <greg.mergner@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com...
> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> from around the steering column?
>
> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/
>

Jeff Strickland

Therej is a GM Steering Wheel Lock Puller, or something to that effect, that
you need to get that snap ring off. I recall it costing about $10. I think
you can borrow it from the AutoZone Loaner Tool program.




"The Merg" <greg.mergner@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1167334524.586802.44350@42g2000cwt.googlegrou ps.com...
> I'm working on the '92 Cherokee trying to fix the loose steering
> column/tilt wheel. You guys were right - it's amazingly hard to get to
> those three bolts to tighten the tilt wheel. I have the steering wheel
> off, now I'm staring at the steering-wheel-ignition-lock-thingy - the
> gear that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the ignition.
> There is a snap ring holding the gear on that I can't get off, although
> maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Do I need to keep going
> straight through here or do I need to be pulling the plastic housing
> from around the steering column?
>
> Pictures of what I'm looking at:
> http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/gmergner/
>

Mike Romain

I could make one from my spare nuts and bolts collection.

I have or could easily get at the local hardware/auto store longish 10 x
32 bolts or screws and a couple nuts and washers. I would likely go for
strong ones, the ones I have are stainless. That outside spacer nut
looks like a 1/4 hole maybe, but it just needs to be large enough to
allow the pin to be sucked into it as you tighten down a nut onto the
washer. I would use a bolt for holding and threading into the pin or
screw if handy with the other nut/washer/ bigger nut on it already.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

The Merg wrote:
>
> And here's the tool I need that no one has:
> http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1243
> any suggestions on how to make one up?