Inside the steering column, what is the steering "rack?"

[Gpaw44]

When I try to start my 86 GMC I turn the key till it bottoms out and it may of may not start. If it doesn't start I do it once again. Most of the time it will start the 2nd time. I have replaced the key switch and the ignition switch and have adjusted the ignition switch several times. Is the " rack" going bad and causinng this? Is it time to rebuild the column? Thanks in advance.

 

[75gmck25]

It is the steering "rack" and it's on the end of the physical ignition switch.
- The column switch has a small gear on the end of it and it fits into a toothed area on the rack.
- When you turn the key it moves the gear and the pot metal rack.
- The other end of the rack then moves a rod up and down the column.
- Near the end of the column you have a sliding electrical switch that is pulled and pushed by the rod.
So simple, what could go wrong?

This is probably the right one for your truck, but verify before purchase. https://www.ebay.com/itm/335375771674
When I researched this years ago I found that some switches and racks had a different number of teeth, and they have to match.

 

[JD Miller]

Ive replaced that thing. It broke . Could not start the truck

You have to take it apart. Careful not to loose any of the ball bearings.

I bought my rack kit at Autozone over the counter. It was only about $10

LMC has it for $13.50 https://www.lmctruck.com/steering/s...4t_7VdW9wg-DIb64eqQfFn5bJxdECMzLiiruEoaAi3TBH

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[JD Miller]

Its kind of a Pain in the Arse to replace. But not that bad.
Pull you steering wheel and just start taking apart till you get to it. Careful you might have one or two bearings fall out, so put a large plastic dish tub on you floor board to catch balls. Put some fresh lithium grease in the bearing race to hold the balls in place, and they wont fall out if you are careful. I had a couple balls fall out, but I caught them and put them back held in place with fresh grease. That was the only real PITA.

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[Gpaw44]

Wow, You guys are great! Thanks for such great detailed responses!

 

[fast 99]

Wow, You guys are great! Thanks for such great detailed responses!

Use that phone in your pocket to take pictures during disassembly. Especially of rack area.

 

[Jgonick]

good resource-

LINK_Inside the GM Tilt Steering Column

around page 25 is dealing with rack

 

[SquareRoot]

good resource-

LINK_Inside the GM Tilt Steering Column

around page 25 is dealing with rack

That's a great article! Thanks for sharing.

 

[75gmck25]

When you disassemble the column you will find some internal bolts ( don’t recall exactly which ones) that have loosened up because folks use the steering wheel as a handhold to get in the truck. Highly recommend using lock tight on those bolts when you reassemble. Very common fix for a GM column.

 

[Ricko1966]

This should help you was trying to find a pic of a broken rack to explain some things,but couldn't. I did find this for you. https://www.steeringcolumnservices....tiac/GM-Rack-Gear-Replacment-Instructions.php
What I wanted to explain was if the rack is cracked on one leg it will open the crack when you go to crank position due to spring pressure in the switch. If the rack is cracked you may buy some time by using your column only for on and off and using a push button switch to engage the starter. We'll I guess I forgot to hit the post reply button a couple of days ago. Sorry

 

[Jgonick]

another good resource- I found useful in the past.

Link-to good write-up