Actuator or No?

Ok, I have seen a few conversations about this topic and it seems to be a common problem amongst this generation Bronco/F150 trucks. 1980-1996. So, here goes. I have an 89 Eddie Bauer. Recently finished wrangling a new 351 into my truck with a couple "look good, feel good" pieces to jazz up the build a bit. Getting it to turn over has been halted by a sticky lock cylinder. Having replaced the lock cylinder, I have been fighting with it to get it to drop in the collar. I can get the collar on and off and with a little help from Jesus, get it all to mesh together and ***** back in place. After doing all that, I go to drop in the new cylinder and it doesn't slide all the way in and won't turn. (Insert metric ton of expletives here.) I said things that would make most serial killers and Satan himself blush. I'm not proud of it....anyways, it seems that the actuator arm that's buried deep in the column is the cause of the sticky ignition. I would just like some feedback and see if I am at least close to being accurate with my presumptions. Thanks guys, love the forum, I use it all the time. Needless to say, this truck has been fighting with me, but I'm set on winning this fight.

Yo Carl,

I hear your frustration!

Will post some related info first, instead of asking questions.

Ignition Switch Key Hard to Turn in Cold TSB 95-23-12 for 89-91 Bronco, F Series, Econoline & Medium, Heavy Duty trucks WITHOUT TILT STEERING WHEEL.

The ignition key may be hard to turn in cold temperatures on trucks equipped with fixed (non-tilt) steering columns. This occurs because the column lock actuator may not be properly lubricated.

ACTION: Lubricate the column lock actuator with silicone lubricant. Refer to the following procedures for service details.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.

2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the appropriate model year Bronco, Econoline, F-Series Service Manual, Section 13-06 for 1988-90 models and Section 11-04A for 1991 models. Refer to the 1991 F-FT-B 600, 700, 800 Service Manual, Section 13-06 and Section 11-04A for 1992-95 F & B Series vehicles.

3. Remove the two (2) bolts attaching the steering column support brackets to the pedal support bracket.

4. Mark the location of the ignition switch and remove it.

5. Remove the turn signal lever and turn signal switch.

6. Remove the lock cylinder.

7. Remove and throw away the snap ring from the upper steering shaft.

8. Using a light hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is loose. Remove the upper bearing.

9. Loosen the upper ****** retention nuts until one or two threads remain engaged.

a. Pinch the nuts toward the shaft.

b. Remove the upper ****** from the outer tube.

10. Remove the column lock actuator.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean the grease from the column lock actuator and upper ****** using parts cleaner (F3AZ-19579-SA) or equivalent.

2. Apply silicone lubricant (COAZ-19553-AA) or equivalent to the column lock actuator and upper ****** where the actuator slides.

3. Install the column lock actuator into the upper ******.

4. Install the upper ****** onto the outer ******.

5. Install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft and hand tighten the steering wheel nut.

6. Pull up on the steering wheel until the steering column expands about 10mm (0.375").

7. Remove the steering wheel.

8. Press the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.

9. Install a new snap ring (DOAZ-3C610- B) on the steering shaft.

10. Using a small hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is seated into the upper ******.

11. Install the lock cylinder.

12. Install the turn signal switch and turn signal lever.

13. Install the ignition switch.

14. Install the two (2) bolts attaching the steering wheel bracket to the pedal bracket.

15. Install the steering wheel.

16. Connect the battery ground cable.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

COAZ-19553-AA Silicone Lubricant

F3AZ-19579-SA Metal Brake Parts Cleaner

DOAZ-3C610-B Snap Ring

...

Ignition Lock Cylinder Adjustment & Switch Pin-Out Diagram & Continuity Testing (Logic Tables) in an 83; "...The following proceedure is from the 1983 Ford Service manual, with a few minor wording changes, but should work for any year. Also included are a couple of illustrations from the same proceedure to help you visualize it..."

Source: by Seabronc (Rosie, Fred W) @ http://broncozone.com/topic/7243-ignition-switch-adjustment-proceedure/

Overview; "...The actuator rod on tilt columns is a culprit. The key turns a rod via a rack. The rod goes over the pin sticking out of the rod pictured above. That part wraps up over the column where yet another rod goes into it that travels down the top of the column to a remote mounted switch block. This block actually makes contact. The Aluminum piece above breaks and you no longer can push that rod. The longer straight section going to the top right of that picture is there only for the ignition lock (that little lever under the column you need to use to get your key back)... read more; MIESK5 NOTE, Below the cylinder and key (11582) in the ****** is a brass gear (3E717), flat bearing (3E700) and snap ring (3C610). these three parts are the same from 1976 thru 1996. Turn the key, the brass gear works with the "steering column lock actuator" (3E723) that controls the rod (11A599) to the ignition switch. If the brass gear is stripped, the ignition switch itself won't work, because without that brass gear...the rod won't actuate the switch ... READ MORE

Source: by shift1313 (Matt) at http://broncozone.com/topic/19948-starting-troubles/

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Lock Cylinder & Switch Replacement & Depictions in 87-91 (figure 1) (from Factory Manual and the Ford Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual (EVTM) by Broncobill78 (Dave) at http://broncozone.com/topic/14120-87-91-ignition-switch-info-troubleshooting-guide/

Actuator & Lock Cylinder Replacement in an 85 (applies 85 to 91)

Source: by Chris B (Blue, bronco boy) at

http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Steering_Column/Steering_Column.html

€

http://web.archive.org/web/20110519163028/http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Ignition_Cylinder/ignitioncylinder.html

Lock Cylinder Removal & Parts Break-Out Diagram in 80-91 Tilt; "...the key must be in RUN..."

http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/72346



Hope it helps.

Al