Fixing damage in Steering column.

[97for86]

Hello!

I had a recent break-in and my 86 Comanche X 2.8L V6 was stolen and then recovered. It looks like the theives broke the left side of the steering column shielding and started the ignition somehow through there. I can turn the key, but the starter does not engage. I can jog the starter by pushing the little remote pin, but the truck won't start. 

I suspect the issue is in the steering column, where pieces were destroyed or missing. Anyone have any experience with this or have any tips? 

Thank you!

[97for86]

These are the images of the damage.

I'm not sure what that section is called. It's not quite the steering column and it's not quite the steering wheel. I if I could just replace that whole section, I think that would be a good start.

[eaglescout526]

First ouch that sucks. 

 

Second, nice brushed dash bezel

 

Third. Looks like they screwed up the gear that the lock and rod work on. Hard to tell. Might have to yank a column if you arent comfortable diving in and fixing it.

[97for86]

Thanks for the response!

I really want to avoid pulling the whole column, if I can help it. I really believe the damage is in the column section right before the pivot joint and the key cylinder. Is there a way to just replace that area, and if so, what would that part/section be called? When I look at steering columns, it shows the entire column. 

[schardein]

It looks like you are missing the sector gear, at the least.

 

You have a tilt column, so the ignition switch rod is "pulled" when you engage the starter.  

You can reach under the dash and grab the rod and pull it towards the back of the Jeep.  This will set the switch in "run", then pull further to engage the starter.  It is spring loaded, so once it starts just let go of the rod.

If you can't get enough leverage, you might have to use something like a flat tip screwdriver wedged in the switch rack.  I tried to outline the switch rack in red, and the arrow shows which way to move it to start.  

You'll have to push the rod to shut it off.

 

If you want to repair it, you will need a steering wheel puller, a lock spring depressor tool, a small pick to get the lock ring out, and a puller tool for the tilt lock pins. In addition to a screwdriver and torx bit sockets.

 

You will need a replacement upper housing and sector gear at the least, best I can tell from the pictures.

[97for86]

Thank you, looks like you're right. The little sector gear is missing. I found a replacement kit that has the rack, gear, and wire. I'm gonna try it tomorrow, and see what happens.

I've got the steering wheel off and the lock plate removed already, just have to try the gear and see what happens. 

Thanks for the info and I'll post updates as i have them. The theives did quite a number on it! 

 

This is the kit I found, just FYI! 

[schardein]

Looks like you are on the right track.  

 

Here is a link to a great PDF for working on steering columns:

https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/d/d6/Jazzman_Steering_Rack_Rebuild.pdf

 

When I was dealing with a similar issue, these are the part numbers I came up with when searching for the broken housing.  There are two pieces.  The main piece, and a smaller cap that covers the area where the tilt lever is.  The tilt lever must be unscrewed/removed to fit the cap.

 

Jeep XJ steering column housing lock housing 83502096

Cap Lever J8133567, 8134704, 7839666, 7839666-23, 7839666-24

 

Most likely the parts you will find will be black.  You could paint them to match your interior color.  SEM color coat may have an off shelf color that is a match.  Otherwise you may have to research the interior color code and see if a paint shop can mix the color.  There are places that can mix up a spray paint can, which is all you would need for this.

 

If you live somewhere with a junkyard, you might get lucky and find an XJ/MJ/YJ with a tilt column.  You could disassemble it to get the parts you need.

[schardein]

This is not mine, just found it on a quick search.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166761984348?_nkw=83502096&itmmeta=01J7BG898T44V7ZW5M6YHVZHHV&hash=item26d3c9f15c:g:aLoAAOSwdjlmQ8~i&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlGVFluUKmBRNOMKEla4vJY9fT4xZH7zgKg3b9LevfGtyUoKwunaMffcZauk82QgX59aO9XWvHaDMiyy0emCuGFiefvONE12hIJseq5g2o7m9HBs40Hy6Kn%2FzVGj9EG%2FawvoVsOhT64m576letcgjQxxlLZCqr7NM3%2BR6CvucpzsNg850CZFXuMJAR2OPA4J%2BKnCBv4PZK6wdFJOw8%2BEdHLfyvTIrJ7zDyFADZVUSRwP6XisPkpNrdzrY2Xpzy6xa%2BR%2FQkE7dLhqM3mN%2BUYp7tF|tkp%3ABk9SR7qUofC6ZA

[97for86]

Thanks a lot for the steering column guide! I've never seen this sort of thing referenced in any other manual or place I checked. It was very helpful for putting the gear in and seeing how everything is supposed to interact.

I got the gear in and I tried to turn the ignition and the truck started right up! It sounds pretty rough at the moment; the thieves ran it out of gas before, and I placed in a couple gallons just to make sure there were no leaks or punctures in my gas tank. I'm in the process of putting the steering wheel and such back on now. 

Thanks for the help! Will update when I have more info.

[97for86]

Just a quick update, I got the upper housing back together, mostly. There is a big chunk missing, but I've got it together with some zip-ties. The high beams work and the ignition works too. The truck drives around just fine now! Of course there are other things to be done, like replacing the drivers side vent window that was broken in the theft, and then finding a more permanent solution to the big hole in the upper housing, but she runs, and thats the important part for now. 

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it! Your help kept another Comanche on the road, and that makes me pretty happy.

[schardein]

Good deal!  

It's a shame you had to deal with a theft, glad you got it back.