DIY: Telescoping Column Motor Removal/Repair

[csabi]

Trying to avoid creating a new thread and hope someone can help me out. Has anyone ever tried to clean up the threads on the tilt motor hole for the spindle? Was taking out my old motor today and noticed that threads are destroyed in one section, now I can't get the new motor back in straight, wants to crossthread when it gets about halfway.

Trying to figure out the dimensions on that hole or i'll just have to buy this part and replace it I suppose.

View attachment 3878050

I just replaced the tilt motor. Old one came out super easy. Attempted to install the new one. Thread started easy enough but stopped at less than one revolution, same for the old one. Apparently each time it was cross threaded (given thr fine thread)

After a number of attempts, I did see the shaft was slightly out of plane/plumb. Focusing on starting it in perfectly vertical plane, and not using the threads for feel, it threaded up nicely. Working fine now.

 

[cqhall]

This was the hardest "small job" I think I've ever done.

The tilt motor was easy-peasy. The telescoping motor was a bear. I have big hands and it took me waaaaaay to long to get the top one of the two bolts holding the telescoping motor off. I tried every manner of wrench known. Socket wrenches (manual and power), open box, closed box, ratcheting, crows foot, knob style, flexy extensions, jointed extensions, tilting, stubby, stubby tilt ratcheting.

I kept saying, "It shouldn't be this hard...", yet there I was...hours later, hands cramping and tongue cursing.

But, I got it done. I got it done.

 

[cqhall]

Oh, and thanks to everyone in this thread sharing their experience. This helped a lot. Old school forums are certainly where the deep knowledge is.

Pro Tip:

As mentioned in this thread, make sure that you coordinate where the telescoping motor is and where the telescoping nut is on the spindle (or whatever the proper name is). It seems that the motor came from the factory in the "retracted" position. I needed it to be in the "extended" position.

The way I did this was to:

1. Get the nut to the end of the spindle (not necessary if it's already there):
   1. Unscrew the spindle nut bracket
   2. Using your fingers, unwind the nut to the end of the spindle
   3. Reattach the spindle nut bracket
2. Plug in the new motor that's hanging loosely (NOT installed in place)
3. Ativate the button in the manner that would fully extend the steering column. The motor will spin then stop at the end of its run.
4. Then unplug the motor to set the position
   1. Do not remove the key before unplugging. Removing the key will make it spin back again.