My turn signal linkage in the steering column has basically disintegrated. I pulled the steering wheel and unscrewed the old turn signal linkage and removed it, only to find out I should have left the screws in since the unit is removed as an assembly from the steering column. I guess there is some sort of cam-type lock.

Anyway - Since the screws have been removed and the springs from the cam assembly have fallen out, how can I remove the assembly from the steering column?

 

Hmmm - Any ideas? Has anyone else had to replace their turn signal? What is your experience?

 

Turn signal switch replacement is easy if you've done it before but not if you haven't obviously. The easiest way to replace one is to unplug it at the bottom of the column then just cut the connector off using side cutters (on the switch side of course not the harness side). This makes it very easy to remove and you aren't going to re-use it anyway so why not make it easier for yourself. The new one goes in from the top and can easily be pushed down the column with the help of a straightend out coat hanger if necessary. Don't forget to take the emergency flasher **** off first when removing.
Good luck on a somewhat easy job!

 

Thanks 6t9 --

I got it off finally -- I found out there was a secret C-clip buried under the grease that was the secret - Once that was off, the rest slipped right off. I'm working on threading the harness back through the steering column bracket, which is a bit tricky, but I think I'll get there now.

 

That C-clip gets a lot of people, don't feel alone. There is a special tool available to remove and install it but I have done it without one. It screws onto the shaft and presses down on the plate to remove/install that clip.
You didn't say that you couldn't slide it up off the shaft or I would have told you about the clip, sorry about that. Hard to do on a thread without pics.

 

Yes, I guess I should have been more specific. Next task - New headliner....

 

This makes it very easy to remove and you aren't going to re-use it anyway so why not make it easier for yourself. The new one goes in from the top and can easily be pushed down the column with the help of a straightend out coat hanger if necessary. Don't forget to take the emergency flasher **** off first when removing.

 

Just a note here. If you tape a piece of twine or tie wire to the wiring before you pull the assembly out you can tape it to the new assembly and use it to help guide the new wiring assembly back in. Makes it all much easier.