Detent Plate Replacement Questions

[bcomo]

Questions for Alexander or anyone who has done this.

1. I removed the steering column shaft bushing OK. But as soon as I removed it, the colunm shaft went hard to the right side of the inside of the column. It takes some pressure to keep it centered. I haven't removed the chrome housing yet.

Why is the shaft that much off center; is that normal? Or should I loosen the bottom column screws and try to center the shaft in the column. I don't want to screw up the column alignment if this is normal.

2. How in the world do you replace the shift indicator light? It seems to be a sealed unit.

Thanks for the help.

[Alexander]

The transmission linkage may have been force to one way to keep the car in Park. You can adjust it.

The shift indicator tube comes apart with a twist and a pull, so you can change the bulb.

[6TB1RD]

Mine did it 2

When I pulled mine apart it did the same thing hard right hook.

2. How in the world do you replace the shift indicator light? It seems to be a sealed unit.

If you remove the cover on the top of the shift collar there is a screw remove this screw and the light comes loose from the Assembly and you can remove it. then just push the wire into the bottom of the housing and the bulb slides out and can be replaced. if I remember right (but I don't thank so) you have to remove the chrome ring from in front of the shift collar. I had the whole column removed for painting.

[bcomo]

Thanks to both of you. I'll try to get that bulb out of there.

On to the next step.

[bcomo]

OK -- I know how to remove the bulb, it was the "Tube" that I couldn't figure out how to get apart -- it just pulls straight off.

Another question:

I'm assuming that I should use White Lithium Grease on the Detent, Shifter, and maybe the horn ring.

I'm also thinking that I should use Axle Grease on the Column Bearing.

How much of both should I use -- should I load it up realy thick? Will the white grease mess up the horn contact?

[bcomo]

Detent Works but still sloppy

Well, I greased it up and got it back together and the "Park" slot locks perfectly.

One last question:

All of my other shift slots are loose by about 1/2" up and down.

I have a new Shift Arm and Rubber Collar, so that's not it.

Where do I need to check for the looseness. Is it in the transmission linkage itself; and where should I check?

[byersmtrco]

I have to do this too. Prob new shft bowl too. Believe it or not, my light still works. But I have no horn and my turn signals don't cancel.

[bcomo]

Hi John:

I hate that slop more than anything. It bothers me more now, after having such a great lock-in park gear.

Hope that someone can give me some clues as to where to check. Must be in the linkage -- somewhere.