turn signal switch install

[Ontheboulder]

Well, since all roads for non working brake lights have led me to the turn signal switch. I am thinking about trying to replace it my self. I haven't done one in nearly 35 years and that was on my old 72 chevy. pretty simple steering column back then. I hope this will work out good! Any one got any tips or tricks to make it a smooth job on this 87 gmc tilt column?? I did manage to find that I had the locking plate tool,for what reason I have no idea.so gonna borrow a buddies steering wheel puller and cross my fingers!!

 

[AuroraGirl]

Well, since all roads for non working brake lights have led me to the turn signal switch. I am thinking about trying to replace it my self. I haven't done one in nearly 35 years and that was on my old 72 chevy. pretty simple steering column back then. I hope this will work out good! Any one got any tips or tricks to make it a smooth job on this 87 gmc tilt column?? I did manage to find that I had the locking plate tool,for what reason I have no idea.so gonna borrow a buddies steering wheel puller and cross my fingers!!

If you got those two, you shouldnt need much for special tools. Although if you are "in there" i do believe there is possibly something that is a wear part or also good to get at the same time, but I am not sure what it is.
is your column loose or shaky at all? Hasnt been used to pull someone into it at all I hope?

 

[Ontheboulder]

If you got those two, you shouldnt need much for special tools. Although if you are "in there" i do believe there is possibly something that is a wear part or also good to get at the same time, but I am not sure what it is.
is your column loose or shaky at all? Hasnt been used to pull someone into it at all I hope?

it has a little movement but not much. I don't think I am gonna tear into it for that. fishing the wires into and out of the column will probably be the biggest pain, I think I will lowe r the column down a bit to get better access to the switch connector under the dash.seems awfully tight for my fat hands!!

 

[Big Chip]

I replaced the turn signal/cruise control stalk in a truck I used to own a few times. It really wasn't bad to fish the wires through the column.

 

[Ontheboulder]

a little update, got the steering wheel and the locking plate off, found one of the springs on the old switch laying on the column housing, broken. seems to be a lot of grease, normal-not normal??? Gonna take some pictures before I go any further so I can remember how it goes back together. The horn wasn't working so I will look into that as well while the truck is in surgery!!LOL

 

[AuroraGirl]

a little update, got the steering wheel and the locking plate off, found one of the springs on the old switch laying on the column housing, broken. seems to be a lot of grease, normal-not normal??? Gonna take some pictures before I go any further so I can remember how it goes back together. The horn wasn't working so I will look into that as well while the truck is in surgery!!LOL

I could be remembering wrong but there shouldnt be any grease on the upper parts of the column, loose that is. Maybe on the tilt springs (maybe..) but that seems strange to me. maybe someone forced grease into there and that caused issues

 

[Snoots]

Tie a length of string to the connector. When you pull the harness and connector out you'll have something to pull the new one in.

 

[John-Ryan]

Take the time and remove the bolts that hold the column to the shaft, to loctite them and retighten. Save you from having play in the wheel.

 

[RoryH19]

I just replaced mine yesterday, maybe an hour or so job.
On a 78 k10, with tilt column.
Agree with lock tighting the bolts for the tilt portion. They are e-torx, reverse torx. You will need another puller.
I can take a pic of mine if you need a reference.

 

[Ontheboulder]

Here is where I am at this morning. Seems to be a lot of grease on the turn signal switch.

 

[Ontheboulder]

Another update,found the problem,one wire on tur signal switch burnt. I put white paint to make it more visible

 

[Ontheboulder]

New switch is installed! Now to put stuff back together!

 

[Ontheboulder]

success!! I have brake lights!!, next I will be checking on the horn while I am in this far!!

 

[DoubleDingo]

Another update,found the problem,one wire on tur signal switch burnt. I put white paint to make it more visible

That'll buff out

 

[DoubleDingo]

I'll be doing mine this weekend.