Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Thunder Head · 11-09-2010, 09:55 PM

My 68 is 3 speed column shift and has been sitting for 20 years (inside). I finally decided to start driving the truck some but when shifting from 2nd or 3rd back to 1st or reverse, coming through the gate is terrible. I have sprayed wd-40 under the hood at the shifter points on the column over and over with no improvement. Where do I need to grease in order to improve the shifting? Any ideas?

Dark Knight · 11-09-2010, 10:14 PM

Had the same problem. Drive out the roll pin and remove the shift lever. Spray WD-40 in the hole and grease the ball on the end of the lever. Reinstall. Enjoy.

dznucks · 11-10-2010, 07:54 AM

I'd use something that would stay put alittle better than the WD-40.

If doing what Dark Knight mentioend doesnt work, you may have to take the upper part of the column apart to clean and lube the shifter housing.

There are also upper and lower bearings that you can oil while your in there. That's not causing your shift problems, but it may loosen up your steering.

Thunder Head · 11-10-2010, 08:12 AM

Guys I appreciate it. Its been driving me crazy.

cdowns · 11-10-2010, 08:47 AM

i'd use plenty of wd40 first to help clean out old dirt dust and grime as well as petrified old grease then follow up with a spray lubriplate grease for lasting lubrication

PanelDeland · 11-10-2010, 07:17 PM

Do under the hood where the levers come out of the column.Clean it with degreaser before lubing.There is also a tutorial on adjustment in the FAQ's.Don't forget to check the bushings also.

oldblue1968chevy · 11-10-2010, 10:42 PM

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-...ctinfo/91-063/

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-...ctinfo/91-062/

you need 2 of each

Thunder Head · 11-10-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-...ctinfo/91-063/

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-...ctinfo/91-062/

you need 2 of each

I hate to sound like a dummy but what are they and where do they go?

oldblue1968chevy · 11-10-2010, 11:44 PM

Not a dumb question dude!

They are the bushings for the shift linkage, 2 go on the tranny 'ears' and 2 go on the shifter on the column under the hood

northerngmc · 11-11-2010, 03:54 AM

I had a 69 GMC that was very stiff in the cold weather. I took the column out and flushed it with varsol and then sprayed graphite back into the column and work much better afterwards. Probably took 2 hours.

Redfalcon302 · 01-17-2016, 12:41 AM

I know this post is really old, but I just posted a video on youtube showing how to do this. Click here to watch! https://youtu.be/M2QzaV2S0Gg

**LockDoc** · 01-17-2016, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redfalcon302

I know this post is really old, but I just posted a video on youtube showing how to do this. Click here to watch! https://youtu.be/M2QzaV2S0Gg

Great video. You can get some temporary relief by spraying penetrating oil into the housing around the shift lever but you couldn't get the grease in there unless you disassemble it like your video shows.....

Again, good job and detail!

LockDoc

notsolo · 01-17-2016, 03:47 PM

Walmart may still sell this synthetic Lube Gel. in the green can...http://www.iqproducts.com/primislubegel.html...... I found it works great. Have not tried on this shifter application, tiny applicator tube should get in there without disassembling. Did all the hinges on my truck, I have got to be carefully opening the hood it's really smooth.

**Jason Banks** · 01-17-2016, 11:35 PM

I had a bad problem with my 3ott about a month ago. Could use 2nd and 3rd just fine...but pulling it back to get it into first and reverse was darn near impossible. I did lots of starting in 2nd.

I searched and searched the forum for a solution but really couldn't find one, almost pulled the column the disassemble it. As a last ditch effort, I did what "Dark Knight" suggests in post #2 of this thread. Pulled the shift lever and hit it with a TON of WD40. It's like a new shifter now. I also greased under the hood and the tip of the shift lever.

I sprayed so much WD40 in there I was wondering if it was going to run out on the floor or under the hood. Never saw any of it...

notsolo · 01-21-2016, 12:28 PM

Keep an eye under the hood, where the steering column comes out of the tube.

11-09-2010, 09:55 PM	#1
Thunder Head Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: north Georgia Posts: 36	Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? My 68 is 3 speed column shift and has been sitting for 20 years (inside). I finally decided to start driving the truck some but when shifting from 2nd or 3rd back to 1st or reverse, coming through the gate is terrible. I have sprayed wd-40 under the hood at the shifter points on the column over and over with no improvement. Where do I need to grease in order to improve the shifting? Any ideas?

11-10-2010, 07:54 AM	#3
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? I'd use something that would stay put alittle better than the WD-40. If doing what Dark Knight mentioend doesnt work, you may have to take the upper part of the column apart to clean and lube the shifter housing. There are also upper and lower bearings that you can oil while your in there. That's not causing your shift problems, but it may loosen up your steering.

11-10-2010, 08:12 AM	#4
Thunder Head Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: north Georgia Posts: 36	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Guys I appreciate it. Its been driving me crazy.

11-10-2010, 08:47 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? i'd use plenty of wd40 first to help clean out old dirt dust and grime as well as petrified old grease then follow up with a spray lubriplate grease for lasting lubrication __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-10-2010, 07:17 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Do under the hood where the levers come out of the column.Clean it with degreaser before lubing.There is also a tutorial on adjustment in the FAQ's.Don't forget to check the bushings also. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-09-2010, 10:14 PM	#2
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Had the same problem. Drive out the roll pin and remove the shift lever. Spray WD-40 in the hole and grease the ball on the end of the lever. Reinstall. Enjoy. __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!

11-10-2010, 10:42 PM	#7
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-...ctinfo/91-063/ http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-...ctinfo/91-062/ you need 2 of each __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

11-10-2010, 11:44 PM	#9
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Not a dumb question dude! They are the bushings for the shift linkage, 2 go on the tranny 'ears' and 2 go on the shifter on the column under the hood __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

11-11-2010, 03:54 AM	#10
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? I had a 69 GMC that was very stiff in the cold weather. I took the column out and flushed it with varsol and then sprayed graphite back into the column and work much better afterwards. Probably took 2 hours. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

01-17-2016, 12:41 AM	#11
Redfalcon302 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 3	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? I know this post is really old, but I just posted a video on youtube showing how to do this. Click here to watch! https://youtu.be/M2QzaV2S0Gg

01-17-2016, 03:47 PM	#13
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,482	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Walmart may still sell this synthetic Lube Gel. in the green can...http://www.iqproducts.com/primislubegel.html...... I found it works great. Have not tried on this shifter application, tiny applicator tube should get in there without disassembling. Did all the hinges on my truck, I have got to be carefully opening the hood it's really smooth. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

01-17-2016, 11:35 PM	#14
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,623	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? I had a bad problem with my 3ott about a month ago. Could use 2nd and 3rd just fine...but pulling it back to get it into first and reverse was darn near impossible. I did lots of starting in 2nd. I searched and searched the forum for a solution but really couldn't find one, almost pulled the column the disassemble it. As a last ditch effort, I did what "Dark Knight" suggests in post #2 of this thread. Pulled the shift lever and hit it with a TON of WD40. It's like a new shifter now. I also greased under the hood and the tip of the shift lever. I sprayed so much WD40 in there I was wondering if it was going to run out on the floor or under the hood. Never saw any of it...

01-21-2016, 12:28 PM	#15
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,482	Re: Column Shift is Hard. Where to grease? Keep an eye under the hood, where the steering column comes out of the tube. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605



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