Steering Column Shaft Lock Plate problem

[Judhudson]

It seems like another day goes by, more problems rear their ugly head.     I've been wanting to get this fixed, and now I have some time.  However, I'm not exactly sure what is causing the problem.  If you look at the picture, it's a better explaination of what I'm going to say, but my Steering Shaft Lock Plate (green item) is rubbing (grinding actually) against the Plate (red item).  My dad suggests that it is some kind of pin at the bottom that broke and it made the shaft sink down a little.  I don't know what pin it is though.  Is it called a Dowel Pin?  If it is, does Dodge still sell these?   

[Nacho-RT74]

IT COULD BE THE BEARING SNAP RINGS that keeps the bearing fixed on shaft are LOOSE FROM SHAFT GROOVES and that makes the complete shaft with the lock plate moves up and down ( in and out ), grinding with plate.

If snap ring are loose from shaft, probably you are able to get IN AND OUT the wheel also

[Judhudson]

I take it that is all the way to the bottom?  I don't think I have a complete diagram that goes that far...

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree the snap ring is not in it`s groove above the brg & the shaft is too low in the column, pull the shaft up & seat the snap ring

[Judhudson]

The only snap ring I can think of is the one near the upper ball bearing by the turn signal flasher switch assembly.  Is that the snap ring you are referring to, or is there another one somewhere?

[Nacho-RT74]

there are two snap rings keeping that bearing in place... one above and another below. If you are talking about ONE snap ring REAR the bearing then that's the problem... you have missed the one IN FRONT and that's the one you need to save the problem.

IN FACT the only stuff that keeps the column shaft in place, linked with column are those two snap rings. Without that, the shaft will move freely inside the column up and down, in and out... whatever you call.

[Judhudson]

Hmmm it looks like I'm in a pickle then.  I remember the snap ring right behind the turn signal switch in the column.  (see pic)  That's the only one I came across when I checked the problem the first time.  I didn't see any other snap rings, and the CD manual I have only mentions that one.  So I'm stumped, is there suppose to be two there?  Or one right there, and one further down the column that I haven't reached yet?

[Nacho-RT74]

that snap ring is the one that maybe is loosen from shaft groove and makes grings the plate. The other one is below the ball bearing. when you remove the ball bearing or the complete column collar assembly with bearing on it you will be able to see the other snap ring and shaft groove. The ring is some different, not really the same. Is half moon piece, not like the first one.

The distance between both grooves on shaft is the same than bearing thicker.

Anyway, the problem is probably on the one you posted. I had same problem and wasn't really the snap ring itself... was the groove edges worned that makes constantly ring loose from groove because isn't able to keep the ring on place. I found a NOS steering shaft and replace, but you can rebuilt the groove to make again straight groove edges

[Nacho-RT74]

Check this catalog pic:


both snap rings are labeled as 19-4-4. Upper is teh frist one at the top... lower is the one showed below the turning lever and housing.

Shaft shows both grooves at the top

[RD]

Check this catalog pic:


both snap rings are labeled as 19-4-4. Upper is teh frist one at the top... lower is the one showed below the turning lever and housing.

Shaft shows both grooves at the top

why is the bearing labeled 19-14-4 also?

[Nacho-RT74]

good question LOL...

Because they are related parts, and all those related parts are on same catalog section, chapter and line... they are not the part numbers... they show where to look at on text section catalog