Exploded view of steering column

Has anyone seen an exploded view of a steering column for a 87 Jeep XJ?

Tilt?

Yes, tilt..... I really don't see how the steering panels come off. Do they have to come off to get the ignition cylinder out?

The actual ignition cylinder is held in by a screw on the interior of the steering wheel column that fits into a detent on the ignition cylinder housing. You do not need to remove any steering column panels, but you will need to remove the steering wheel and various components (turn signal/combination switch, etc) underneath to get to the screw. You will need a steering wheel puller. If you don't have one, get a Chilton's manual at a minimum. It depicts many of the procedures/parts fairly well. Be very mindful of the way parts fit in there as you remove them. If possible, use a digital camera to take pictures as you remove the various components to aid in reassembly should you forget how things fit together. Its not a difficult procedure, but there are a few pieces that you have to remove to get to the screw holding the cylinder in.

If you are not aware already, the steering column in your jeep is a GM type, so its been installed in millions of cars around the world, (therefore plenty of parts available) even the trusty old Holden downunder used them.

Try these links for size...

http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html

- good write up with pictures

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/56459/index.html

- an interesting write-up from car craft magazine , with an exploded image of the column

http://stolenandrecovered.com/parts2/jeep.php

- these guys not only repair but sell the bits'n'bobs for the column (never used them), their site is also quite informative too

That 1st link is a good write up. Back in the day this would take from .5-.7 per hour. When performing in the car he forgot to mention to unplug the electrical connectors & on GMs disconnecting the shift indicator cable.

Resetting the timing of the lock cylinder sector is tedious.

keith_b00ne said:

Yes, tilt..... I really don't see how the steering panels come off. Do they have to come off to get the ignition cylinder out?

Click to expand...

Just to be clear--there is a key, a key lock cylinder, a remote rod, and an ignition switch on the GM style column.

You want to get the key cylinder out, or you want to get to the ignition switch mounted down on the column?

When you shift into park the mechanism that allows the key to be shut off and removed is sticking inside of the column somewhere. I am trying to figure out how to fix or remove this functionality.

Ok, that is the PARK LOCK cable and it runs from the center console up the ignition switch where it is mounted with a nut (and if the nut falls off-common--it will screw things up. From there it runs up through the column and attaches to the key cylinder.

This may help: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/loose-steering-column-repair-feels-like-tilt-broke-13641/

There is an adjustment procedure for the PARK LOCK cable under the center console--have you tried that yet?

Haven't tried that yet. I didn't know there was an adjustment.