I got in my 93 bronco and shifted into reverse and heard a pop from inside the steering column. It was hard to shift gears and even harder to find the one I wanted. I know what's broken but I don't know what it's called or how to get to it. It is some metal piece that actually connects to the shifter and rotates when you shift gears. It is broken right before it goes behind the dashboard. Does anybody know what that piece is called and how much it might cost? And how hard of a job is it?

It's a 93 with cruise control and a tilt column

 

Yikes! Not sure what the actual part description would be but getting to it could be a nightmare. I personally have never had the column that far apart. A Ford dealer could look up a parts explosion drawing that would at least let you know what the part is called and the Ford part number for it. Not sure where you are located but I go to a Ford/Sterling heavy truck dealer when I need info like this. They have all the parts explosions in the computer and can call 'em up in a few seconds without having to sift through all the "car" parts info. They are usually a littel more willing to impart knowledge about how-to since they deal in the light truck parts but they don't necessarily want their heavy truck service bays clogged with every Ranger and Bronco that wanders by with a broken steering column part.

 

Sounds like what happened to my first '93 two years ago, and to an '88 F150 I had a few years ago. It's a little POS plastic part, costs maybe a few dollars. I tried tearing apart the column, but just don't have the know-how to do it. Took it to a buddy's shop and had it fixed for $60. Most shops will probably hit you anywhere from 1 to 2 bills. It sucks!

 

I dont know the part number or name, but here are some pics of the column. I hope they help. I think there may be a few more in my photo album.....click the link below.

 

Hey guys,
I got the problem fixed. In the picture it is the rod on the top with the two hands pointing down at the brackets that hold it on. The whole thing was snapped in half. I found the identical part on a 93 econoline van at a junkyard. Only cost me $12.50. It didn't take any time to get the column loose either. About 30 to 45 minutes to tear it down and the same to get it back in. And thanks for the help everyone.

 

Dallas Lewis, I too have a 93 and today i experienced the same problem as you. I think that it is the same peice as you described for yours. the outer tube ford tells me is called a plunger. Was it the rod inside of that that was broken. That is what is suspect on mine. But i can't figure out how to break it all down to get it out. can you help me with some questions?

 

Actually on mine it was the plunger that broke but I had to take the whole thing off to get that out. And yes, I'd be glad to help you. I'll try to cover everything in this post. First, take the front of the dash off behind the steering wheel. I think it just snaps on. It's the panel with the 4x4 push button and the rear window switch in it. Then take off the bottom half of the dash. I think 3 screws hold it in on the bottom and it should come right off. After that loosen the 4 steering column bracket support nuts. You will need a deep well 13mm socket for that(it helps if it is a 1/4 in drive socket: it makes it easier to work in the tight space with a small ratchet). The column should lower onto the driver's seat. Then you will see 2 brackets on top of the plunger that are held in by a T-27 or T-30 torx bit. Take those off. There are also 2 more screws of the same size on the bracket where the shift cable connects to the shifter. You can take those out or just leave them and disconnect the cable. It's probably easier if you just pop the cable off. I hope this will help.

BTW- I got my part at a local salvage yard for $12.50, so look around before you pay too much at the dealer. I'm not completely sure, but I think a 92 or 93 F-150, 250, or Econoline van will fit it. I got mine off of an E-350. All I had to do was change the actual shift lever itself. It's only held in by a pin that pushes out with a pair of pliers.
Good luck

 

i can't figure out how to get the column casing off on the ignition side. Or do i even need to. I know that the other side comes off after you screw the tile off. Also i'm not sure which bolts are the Four 13mm that you are talking about. Can you see them in the pictures above?

 

Sorry about leaving that part out. To get that casing off you have to take out the ignition key lock cylinder. There is a small hole under it with a pin sticking through it. The key must be in the run position to push the pin in. Once pushed in the whole cylinder should slide out through the casing. The 13mm nuts are under the column. You cannot see them in this picture. They hold on two U-shaped brackets that support the whole column. If you look under the column you will know which ones they are. They have a stud running through them about an inch or so.

 

today i finally had time to take apart my steering column to look for the broken pieces. It was in fact the plunger. Thanks for all of the info dallas lewis. i now have to wait until monday to get the new part to fix it. I posted a few pictures on my gallery of the cracked plunger if anyone is interestred. Thanks again dallas lewis.

 

I went to the dealer today and bought a new tube assembly, plunger(rod), and bushings. I figured that if these are common to wear out then i didn't want to get one at a salvage yard that was already half worn out. From the dealer I got them all for a little under $40. I replaced them all today and it works like a champ.