What have I got wrong here on my steering column?

[Harrison.]

I rebuilt my steering column 2-3 years ago and when I did I drilled out the plastic pins that held the collapsible part together and did not replace them when I reassembled. Up until now I've always had a grant GT steering wheel but decided to replace it with a factory style comfort grip steering wheel. The grant hub adapter held the steering shaft into place and I never had an issue with it rubbing the turn signal housing. Now that I've attempted to install the comfort grip adapter, the steering shaft keeps collapsing and the bearing is falling out of the bottom of the column. I looked at the diagram in the FAQ and I can't tell what I'm missing. Do I need to install something in the holes for the plastic pins? I wanted to be able to keep the column collapsible.

[Grumpy old man]

From that picture view it looks like the hub is larger than the steering column ? the 67-68 adapter fits and the 69 is too big , Post a side view picture . When cutting the steering shaft and using a universal you need to use red thread locker on the aallen bolts holding the universal in place , I have the same delemma installing a Flaming river column and I plan on drilling the shaft where the plastic pins once were and using a couple small grade 5 bolts to insure the shaft can't drop and lose all steering going down the road . . Once the fit is correct taking it back apart and filling the lower part of the shaft with windshield sealing urethane caulk will also help provide some piece of mind that the shaft can't fall down .

[Harrison.]

Sorry my photos are sideways, not sure how to turn them...

I ordered a hub adapter for a 72...my truck is a 70. It fits pretty snugly, had to use a puller to get it back off.

I did use red lock tite on the allen bolts and I didn't want to use grade 5 bolts in the shaft because I think that would defeat the purpose of having a collapsible shaft? I know the intent was for the plastic to break. Is that really all that holds the steering shaft up? Or did I miss a lock ring or something?

Thanks!

[CAMAROBOY68SS]

Originally Posted by Harrison.

Sorry my photos are sideways, not sure how to turn them...

I ordered a hub adapter for a 72...my truck is a 70. It fits pretty snugly, had to use a puller to get it back off.

I did use red lock tite on the allen bolts and I didn't want to use grade 5 bolts in the shaft because I think that would defeat the purpose of having a collapsible shaft? I know the intent was for the plastic to break. Is that really all that holds the steering shaft up? Or did I miss a lock ring or something?

Thanks!

There should be a retainer above the collapsing portion to hold the shaft in place. The upper part in the housing going into the cab should not have any movement, the lower portion is what's supposed to collapse in an accident.

Also what Grumpy was referring to is that outisde diameter of a 69 and later hub for the comfort grip steering wheel is larger than a C10 column. The 67/68 Camaro/Corvette/Chevelle/Nova is smaller and will fit flush with the stock column. Reason for the size difference is the addition of the ignition in the column that the passenger cars got in 69, where trucks kept in on the dash until 73. The later hub will work it just looks odd as it will overhang the column.

[pjmoreland]

Did you install the turn signal canceling cam underneath the steering wheel hub adapter? It is the component that actually engages the upper bearing and gets sandwiched between the bearing and hub adapter.

https://www.classicparts.com/1967-72...nfo/27%2D241/#

[Harrison.]

I’m an idiot, it was stuck to the old adapter and I thought that was part of it. I’ll try it again when I get home but I bet you’re right….

Thanks a ton for the reply

[dmjlambert]

The plastic pins that hold the collapsible intermediate shaft are removed from my steering column as well. When I remove the steering wheel usually the shaft collapses and causes me the extra difficulty you describe. What I usually do is to put vise grips or clamp on the inner collapsible shaft at the joint where it goes into the outer collapsible shaft, so it will keep the shaft from collapsing. I use vise grips with plastic or wood at the jaws so I don't scratch the paint on the intermediate shaft. Then I can take the steering wheel off and do work and put it back on and remove the vise grips. The holes don't line up on my intermediate shaft because the outer steering column was shortened to move the steering wheel away from me for comfort. I have plans to drill a new hole in the intermediate shaft so I can put a small cotter pin or screw in there. When it comes to collapsing in an collision I think just about anything you put in that small hole is going to shear and the collapsible design will function to help you. But if you wan't something extra easy to give way, they have nylon screws and nuts at the hardware store, or you can probably use zip ties.

[dmjlambert]

Like this. I'm using a piece of coffee can plastic lid and mini vise grips.

[Harrison.]

Thanks for the responses, I now understand what grumpy was referring to and I believe he is correct..I’ve got the wrong adapter.

The cancelling cam for the turn signals is in place. I had that grant gt wheel in the truck for years and everything worked fine. I didn’t remove anything except the grant wheel and adapter when I went to install the comfort grip.

And that vise grip truck is great, I was having my wife hold it in place while I installed.

However, I’m still trying to figure out why the comfort grip hub is not holding everything into place like the grant adapter? The new adapter is rubbing the turn signal housing and I can physically pull up and down on the steering wheel and move the shaft.
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[pjmoreland]

Is the horn contact post of the canceling cam sticking through this hole?