steering column on my 69 nontilt

[jabos]

hey guys i pulled my steering wheel off to replace it because it was all cracked and falling apart and something came loose in the shaft on the engine side and am not sure what it was, any ideas of what it could be? I am waiting for my new steering wheel from classic chevy and hoping i didnt screw something up in the shaft

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

hey guys i pulled my steering wheel off to replace it because it was all cracked and falling apart and something came loose in the shaft on the engine side and am not sure what it was, any ideas of what it could be? I am waiting for my new steering wheel from classic chevy and hoping i didnt screw something up in the shaft

Not much you can screw up by taking the wheel off. Did the shaft drop down? What makes you think something came loose? The lower bearing may be bad.

LockDoc

[jabos]

seems like i have more back and forth motion now on the steering wheel shaft

[jabos]

is there a way to tighten that up

[john]

That slack should tighten up when you put a wheel back on.

[jabos]

I did put the new wheel on and there is some slack back and forth about a 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. is that normal?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

I did put the new wheel on and there is some slack back and forth about a 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. is that normal?

It shouldn't feel any different than it did with the old wheel. Changing steering wheels doesn't change anything in the column....

LockDoc

[Mike C]

Sounds like one of the bearings was worn and the lower may have slipped from the bottom and the balls fell out of the bearing cage? That's all I can think of. The column should be tight with the wheel on or off.

Just to verify, the play you have is up and down/left and right versus in and out correct?

I know on my Jimmy the upper bearing was missing a ball or two and the cage was damaged, but that put no slop in the system.

[jabos]

The play in the steering column is in and out

[Mike C]

I think that is set by the lower bearing. Never had to actually work on that part of the column. Find any steel balls in the driveway after this job?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

The play in the steering column is in and out

Look at your steering column under the hood and compare it to the picture posted below.

LockDoc

[jabos]

No, I didnt notice any.

[jabos]

how do you attach pictures

[jabos]

[attach]1369766[/attach]

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

[attach]1369766[/attAttachment 1369766ach]

Your bottom bearing and coil spring are gone.... All you have left is the large washer.

LockDoc

[jabos]

Thanks for all your help, I guess I need to figure out how to replace that.

[jabos]

do you know where i coulc find those parts?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

do you know where i coulc find those parts?

Any '67-'72 parts vendor should carry a lower steering column bearing repair kit for that. It will have everything you need in the kit. It should run about $35.

LockDoc

[jabos]

Does the steering shaft come apart right there?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by jabos

Does the steering shaft come apart right there?

Yes, you have to remove the bolt there and take the rag joint apart at the steering box and it will slide apart. It looks a little rusty so I would spray everything with a good penetrating oil (not WD-40) and tap it with a small hammer to loosen it up.

Here is a thread you might find helpful.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471499

LockDoc

[jabos]

hey i want to thank you for all you info, i am going to order that bearing and give it a try. do you think it is ok to drive until i install it?