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Patroller · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI

I am trying to change the electrical portion of my Ignition Switch on my 1979 NA. I Have searched, read and followed everything I could find on here, but now I am stuck. I have removed the wiring harness connectors, turn signal/wiper switches, pinch bolt and the plastic retainer over the bearing on the steering shaft. I have spread the surfaces where the pinch clamp tightens but I can not get anything to slide forward over the steering shaft. I have even tried to gently tap on the back surface of the aluminum housing with a wooden dowel and soft mallet. Am I missing something? Do I need to "Tap" harder? I remember doing this years ago on my 914 without any problem!
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Red 1979 924
Red 1979 924
(Yes, I have a pair of twins)

Grenadiers · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 4:37 am Post subject:

Put the key in it, turn it to the run position, put steering wheel back on, spin wheel. Maybe the steering wheel lock is messing you up. Just a guess. And, if that small little plastic thing is cracked, you can get the metal 944 version, but you have to cut it down to fit.
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'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

Patroller · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI

Thanks for the reply but unfortunately that seemed to have no effect. Is that bearing on the steering shaft just supposed to be a slip fit or does it have some interference?
_________________
Red 1979 924
Red 1979 924
(Yes, I have a pair of twins)

Grenadiers · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 7:08 am Post subject:

Slip fit. I'll go check the one I took out last week.
_________________
'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

Did you remove the black plastic collar in front of the bearing?
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Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

Patroller · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI

Yes, The black plastic collar is off!

If it had something to do with the Steering Wheel lock, as was suggested, how could I get around that?
_________________
Red 1979 924
Red 1979 924
(Yes, I have a pair of twins)

Patroller · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI

Thanks to those who jumped in so quickly to try an help with my question.

After a couple of nights pondering on the problem I decided that there could be no other answer than the Steering Column Bearing was "just tight on the shaft". I got behind the steering lock housing with a large punch and with a hammer I applied some "more than gentle taps" and everything began to move. No damage to anything and now I can replace the electrical module of the ignition switch.
_________________
Red 1979 924
Red 1979 924
(Yes, I have a pair of twins)