Steering - New Column Lock Mechanism Explained
88buick13Bulletin: 89-3-1
Date: Sept., '88
Ref. No.: 88-227-3
Corp. Ref. No. 873209
SUBJECT: STEERING COLUMN LOCK MECHANISM
MODELS AFFECTED: 1988-89 REGALS
The steering column lock mechanism on 1988 and 1989 Regals functions somewhat differently than those on most other General Motors models. Instead of locking at any position after a relatively small amount of steering wheel movement, the "W" body column lock mechanism operates somewhat like a ratcheting wrench with only two "click" points as follows:
- The steering wheel can be turned to the right no more than 180~ (1/2 turn) before hitting a lock stop.
- The steering wheel can be turned fully to the left, but will ratchet past a "click" point, or lock stop, every 180~ (1/2 turn). This will keep the wheel from being turned back to the right more than 1/2 turn from any given position.
- When the steering wheel is turned all the way to the left, the lock mechanism will limit the steering wheel to a small amount of travel back to the right, like those of other General Motors models.