1972 GMC Steering Shaft Slop. Cam/Bearing Gap

[gabej]

Hi
Regarding a 1972 GMC C1500 (Sierra Grande) Non-Tilt Column.

I'm getting 1/4" to 1/2" play in my steering wheel/shaft in an up down/side to side range. I'm also getting about 1/2" play in and out. It seems as if it is because the tapered bottom end my turn signal canceling cam isn't engaging with the upper steering column bearing. Reading posts in the forum the tapered end of the cam should take up the gap and shore everything up but in my case it's not. My hub when pressed into the shaft doesn't descend down the shaft far enough to take up the gap between the Hub and the cam therefore pushing it up-to the bearing. Is there an adjustment I'm missing?

Thanks for your help.

[swamp rat]

Downloading the shop manual may help, section 9 i think??

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016

I think the upper bearing is available, not sure about the bottom, i recall someone here subbed a bicycle bearing here somewhere.

[gabej]

Thanks. I've got the bearing installed. Are you saying uses bike bearings to take up that gap? I'm using the same components as the exploded view but there's still a gap between my cam and bearing causing the slop. Figuring there was some other adjustment in the bowl or the shaft that could be accomplished. Truck steers but that slop makes me nervous.

[john]

Do you have the spring and washer on the lower shaft?

[gabej]

Yes. Looks like there is some play there that I need to adjust. Also I found out that I missing two pieces in the column. The Service Manual calls them "The Shift Housing Bushing" and "Bushings Seat". (Parts #2 and #3 in the attached photos). No one seems to carry these. Might you have any idea where I could find them?

[gabej]

Originally Posted by john

Do you have the spring and washer on the lower shaft?

Do you have a method you recommend for removing the play in the lower bearing set up? Seems that when I pull the steering wheel back and forth I get about 1/2" to 3/4" play above the spring and washer where it connects to the column housing. I found this Youtube video of someone elses issue that shows the area where the play is. Mine isn't this bad but it's bad enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3c-...ature=youtu.be

[john]

Sorry I cant help on the missing parts, suggest you find a used column on the parts board for needed parts. I don't know if those parts will effect end play, I would think something else is assembled wrong.