Steering rod loose in column

[Keating121]

Yesterday afternoon my 67 developed some major play inside the steering column. I can move the wheel in any direction a good 3-4 inches from center and the column is secure! I have no idea what's going on. What do I need to do?? Help please!! Thanks.

[1968k10blue]

Possibly a bad tie rod end, control arm bushing, or gearbox could either be loose or bad. I have a lot of play with the steering box so I have to replace that but your problem could be different
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[Keating121]

Everything looks pretty good to me under the hood. Don't really see much play at the box conection. I'm looking for a steering wheel puller to get in there and check it out.
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[camrycurt]

Could it be that the lower bearing has fallen out of place? It's held in place in the column housing by a spring that pushes against the joint at the bottom end of the column. Pop the hood and look at that connection where it joins the intermediate shaft to see if everything is OK.

I know when I took my column out as soon as that bearing moved the thing developed a lot of play.

[Keating121]

Yes, I saw a spring held up against some type of connection up close to the firewall. It is loose and the bracket that holds in is loose too. Also the bracket that holds the column to the firewall is loose and it looks like the column has slipped down in to the engine compartment. It looks like there are 2 little tabs on the column and they are an inch below the slot it looks like they should fit into. I didn't see any bearing though.
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[Keating121]

So, I pulled the steering wheel and the upper bearing was up out of its position. The only thing holding it in place was the horn contact assembly. It looks like there should be some kind of washer and maybe a spring holding the bearing in place. Can anyone tell me exactly what pieces I'm missing? Thanks

[CaptRMW]

There should have been a spring between the bottom of the steering wheel and the turn signal canceling cam (horn contact assembly). This keeps the steering shaft centered in the upper bearing and the upper bearing seated in place...Hope this helps.

[Keating121]

Helps a bunch CaptRMW, about how much attention? Pretty stiff or not?
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[CaptRMW]

Originally Posted by Keating121

Helps a bunch CaptRMW, about how much attention? Pretty stiff or not?
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Yes pretty stiff. Hop on the parts board with a want to buy and you will have one pronto...Regards, Roger

[Keating121]

Got it going guys, even the blinker "auto shut off" works now!! Thanks for all your help!!