1989 Camry, 4dr Vandalized... Steering Column replace ?

[sdhartney]

Hi guys...
I originally posted this elsewhere while this board was down.

I haved a Camry problem that's not listed in my Haynes manual.

1989 Camry, 4 door, 4 banger, automatic

Some fools tried and failed to steal the car, and since the gutless freaks couldn't take it, they decided to trash it.

My biggest problem is the steering column, the cover that wraps the column is broken, the column lock is busted up, the ignition switch is mangled with something blocking the keyhole as well.

I'm guessing that replacing the entire column is the easiest, possibly most effective method of fixing all these problems at one time however, my Haynes manual isn't very helpful in detailing the procedure.

Is this as simple as dropping the top of the column from the dash, disconnecting the wire harnesses, and pulling the shaft from ?? whereever?

Or is there some more complex connectors to worry about, including the connection to the rest of the steering system ??

I also have a broken passenger side window to replace, lots of damage inside the car to glove door, console plastics, dash plastics, fuckers went under the hood, grabbed the battery, all the relays and fuses, bent the hood, and some other minor stuff too..

Here's a link to some pics:

New Update 02/25/04
The local DOT is after me now, marking my tires and tagging me with warnings.

I gotta get this thing running now, before the books and parts arrive.

Someone mentioned pulling the ignition lock out with "channel lock" pliers and using a screwdriver to get to the "switch" portion.... Is that possible ??

[sdhartney]

Hey guys...
Looks like nobody has any comments on this problem.

Here's another:
Can someone provide a photo of what goes in this electrical box ?

[88 LE]

Originally posted by sdhartney
Is this as simple as dropping the top of the column from the dash, disconnecting the wire harnesses, and pulling the shaft from ?? whereever?

That would be my guess.

The end of the shaft bolts to the steering rack.

Someone mentioned pulling the ignition lock out with "channel lock" pliers and using a screwdriver to get to the "switch" portion.... Is that possible ??

Yes.

Just make sure you don't yank off the wires in the process.

[sdhartney]

Thanks very much 88 LE..

I'm going to give it a yank !!!

[88 LE]

^ No prob.

I'll get some pics of the fusebox for you in alittle bit.

[dbruce]

From alldata.....the removal/installations instructions are:

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF STEERING COLUMN
Remove and install the parts as shown.

(MAIN POINTS OF REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION)


REMOVE UNIVERSAL JOINT
(a) Remove the two set bolts.
(b) Place matchmarks on the universal joint and control valve shaft.
(c) First pull the universal joint from the gear housing, and then pull it out from the main shaft

REMOVE STEERING WHEEL Using SST, remove the steering wheel. SST 09609-20011


CHECK STEERING WHEEL CENTER POINT AFTER INSTALLING STEERING COLUMN

[HeNry2kOoL]

Originally posted by sdhartney
Someone mentioned pulling the ignition lock out with "channel lock" pliers and using a screwdriver to get to the "switch" portion.... Is that possible ??

If you're talking about the ignition switch, it is on the other side of the steering column opposite of the ignition lock cylinder. It's hold on by one screw, you can turn on and start the car and everything, but can't drive the car or else the steering wheel will lock. If you're just planning to pull out the lock cylinder with locking pliers, that's gonna be extremely hard unless you're strong enough to break off the release button on the lock cylinder while pulling it out.

[sdhartney]

Originally posted by HeNry2kOoL
If you're just planning to pull out the lock cylinder with locking pliers, that's gonna be extremely hard unless you're strong enough to break off the release button on the lock cylinder while pulling it out.

That's presicely one of my new problems, the lock button is gone and the mechanism is mangled too.

It looks like the a.hole beat the crap out of it trying to get it to release.

[sdhartney]

Originally posted by dbruce
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF STEERING COLUMN

REMOVE UNIVERSAL JOINT
(a) Remove the two set bolts.
(b) Place matchmarks on the universal joint and control valve shaft.
(c) First pull the universal joint from the gear housing, and then pull it out from the main shaft.

Yikes... Sounds like I'm going to be getting dirty too... yuck.

Thanks very much for that procedure.

[dbruce]

FYI: Those are the none tilt version. If you have a tilt wheel.......I can post those also.

FYI: www.alldata.com is worth the 25 bucks. They will supply full pictures and instructions for everything.

[sdhartney]

Got it... thanks dbruce . Thanks again to the rest of you too..

I'm going to play hookie from work Friday if the weather permits, and hit the local Pick Your Part wrecking yard.

I called everywhere around where they pull the parts out, and they want
$130. to $160 Steering column with cover
$40 to $60 passenger door glass

The "Pick your part" yard wants
$40 tp $60 Steering column, complete assy.
$14 passenger door glass

One drawback, 99% of their steering columns have no key..... so I'll have to add, what? $25 or so to have a key made. But the plus side is, all the small shit, relays, fusible links, fuses, knobs, etc will into my tool box for free.

Com'om dry weather

[88 LE]

[sdhartney]

88 LE You Da Man !!!

Wow, great photos. Thanks soooo much.

I was imagining myself with a handfull of these relays trying to figure out which hole to stick them in.

Fantastic !!