I figured out how to fix it. The ground wire passes through the steering shaft to the brush contact through a hole in the steering shaft.
1- remove the "brush" cap from bottom of steering column.
2- remove the bolt from coupling (u-joint) assembly the steering shaft goes into.
3- with Steering wheel attached pull steering wheel and steering shaft in towards front seat. (This may take some hits from dead-blow hammer to get released from coupling).
4- pull steering assembly upwards until "brush" contact is exposed.
5- desolder ground wire from "brush" contact and clean and remove old wire, saving the wire cover.
6- pass new wire and contact through center of steering shaft and exit through hole. Cut wire to length, slide wire cover over wire and push into hole, strip back end of wire and slide into "brush" contact and solder.
7- push/guide steering shaft down and through exit to the coupling and then run bolt back into coupling to lock steering shaft into place. Use caution and make sure steering shaft is completely seated to avoid damage to splines.
8- reattach the "brush" cap to bottom of steering column.
I applied anti-seize to both end-splines of the steering shaft in case I ever have to pull it again and for when I replace the steering wheel.
Monday, July 31st, 2023 AT 11:35 AM