Steering Column teardown

[Tja1161]

I was replacing the turn signal switch and actually tore column apart farther than I needed. Now as I try to assemble i believe the ignition rod came out of place up by the key area.
My issue is I can't separate the two plastic pieces. It looks like the top half should pop right off by if I pry too much it will break. Any input?

 

[Goldie Driver]

Not sure what you mean by top half - where the turn signal switch screws into ?
If that's it, there are 3 torx screws that hold it to the mast jacket.

Take the turn signal switch out again- you will see them.

If you are talking about the little plastic cap behind where the wiper switch is poking on then sorry- just don't remember. I want to tell you one screw, but just cant remember.

 

[Tja1161]

Thanks, Yes I took those (4) screws out but still needed to disconnect the ignition rod.
I got it back together but now won't turn over so I think the rod bent.

 

[Phil 83K20]

If the other positions still work, but it won’t crank, then the rod’s probably bent.
You could try to straighten it out by sticking tools over the column to push it into the right shape.

But if that doesn’t work, you’ll have to pop the mounting screws so you can get at the rod and switch to fiddle with it.
From that point straightening should be fairly easy.
But even if that doesn’t fix it, the switch has some adjustment by loosening the mounting screws and sliding the unit.

 

[Camar068]

link for a complete rebuild of the column:

Jazzman column rebuild