steering column ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

spinning wheels · 12-01-2002, 08:36 PM

Hello, I need some info on a steering column problem, this is on a '72 3/4 GMC. It seems that I can pull on the steering wheel and it will pull out about a half inch or so. I was told my column was worn out. I priced a rebuilt tilt steering column, they sell at the local swap meet for about $250. Not sure if this is a good price or do I just need a new steering coupler? Any info? Thanks

*racedvl* · 12-01-2002, 08:41 PM

Ya know, not to be a smart ass, but mine does that too, I just don't pull on it.

Longhorn Man · 12-01-2002, 08:45 PM

My first two did that...but I can't remember on the one ton...the steering wheel has been off for so long I just can't remember.
I know if the upper bearings are shot, it'll cause some slop, but I doubt that's the problem the way you describe it.

*racedvl* · 12-01-2002, 08:47 PM

I bet a new rag joint would help.

Longhorn Man · 12-01-2002, 08:48 PM

I doubt it...the shaft shouldn't pull through the column regardless of the rag joint.
Does it have up and down slop in it too?

imaindianoutlaw · 12-01-2002, 09:06 PM

Humm?

spinning wheels · 12-01-2002, 11:17 PM

No up 'n down slop. And not much slop in the steering either.

*racedvl* · 12-02-2002, 11:00 AM

I dunno, I would have someone pull on it while you were under the hood. See where the pull comes from. I would think a rag joint, would help some of that.

slam33 · 12-02-2002, 11:06 AM

LMC has all the stuff to rebuild it and it's not that hard to do. I did the one in mine. You should be able to pull it, rebuild it and get it back in a day.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-02-2002, 11:21 AM

There should be a spring at the lower end of the steering column
which holds the upper and lower bearing in a preload. If you pull
up on the wheel, you can overcome the spring and the wheel will
move approximately 1/4". You may want to check the spring and make sure it is in place. Also, there should be a large thick washer between the spring and the coupling.

Jim

bouncytruck · 12-02-2002, 12:34 PM

Mine does the same thing. Since I have some lame aftermarket steering wheel, I can see the upper bearing. When I pull on the wheel (actually, all I have to do is just touch it) the upper bearing will come out of it's possition. I have looked under the hood and the problem is not in the rag joint. I believe that mine is missing the spring JimKshortstep4x4 mentioned and possibly some retaining clip or spring on the upper bearing. I have considered rebuilding it but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I have noticed they have the parts in LMC but I'm not sure what all I need yet.

Let us know what parts fix yours if you decide to rebuild.

VDOG · 12-02-2002, 08:08 PM

I had that same problem. I went to the junkyard, found a Chevy van, about a 76 or 77. Pulled out the tilt column, and called it a day. 45 bucks allday long. Problem is, some people will tear then up trying to take them out. If you find one not too badly damaged, buy it and get it repaired. I like the Lokar, but dont have the 550.00 to pay for one.

12-01-2002, 08:36 PM	#1
spinning wheels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Hacienda Heights, California USA Posts: 474	steering column ? Hello, I need some info on a steering column problem, this is on a '72 3/4 GMC. It seems that I can pull on the steering wheel and it will pull out about a half inch or so. I was told my column was worn out. I priced a rebuilt tilt steering column, they sell at the local swap meet for about $250. Not sure if this is a good price or do I just need a new steering coupler? Any info? Thanks __________________ '72 GMC custom camper 350/350

12-01-2002, 09:06 PM	#6
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Humm? __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

12-01-2002, 11:17 PM	#7
spinning wheels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Hacienda Heights, California USA Posts: 474	No up 'n down slop. And not much slop in the steering either. __________________ '72 GMC custom camper 350/350

12-02-2002, 11:06 AM	#9
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	LMC has all the stuff to rebuild it and it's not that hard to do. I did the one in mine. You should be able to pull it, rebuild it and get it back in a day. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

12-02-2002, 12:34 PM	#11
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Mine does the same thing. Since I have some lame aftermarket steering wheel, I can see the upper bearing. When I pull on the wheel (actually, all I have to do is just touch it) the upper bearing will come out of it's possition. I have looked under the hood and the problem is not in the rag joint. I believe that mine is missing the spring JimKshortstep4x4 mentioned and possibly some retaining clip or spring on the upper bearing. I have considered rebuilding it but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I have noticed they have the parts in LMC but I'm not sure what all I need yet. Let us know what parts fix yours if you decide to rebuild. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

12-01-2002, 08:41 PM	#2
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Ya know, not to be a smart ass, but mine does that too, I just don't pull on it.

12-01-2002, 08:45 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	My first two did that...but I can't remember on the one ton...the steering wheel has been off for so long I just can't remember. I know if the upper bearings are shot, it'll cause some slop, but I doubt that's the problem the way you describe it.

12-01-2002, 08:47 PM	#4
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	I bet a new rag joint would help.

12-01-2002, 08:48 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I doubt it...the shaft shouldn't pull through the column regardless of the rag joint. Does it have up and down slop in it too?

12-02-2002, 11:00 AM	#8
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	I dunno, I would have someone pull on it while you were under the hood. See where the pull comes from. I would think a rag joint, would help some of that.

12-02-2002, 11:21 AM	#10
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	There should be a spring at the lower end of the steering column which holds the upper and lower bearing in a preload. If you pull up on the wheel, you can overcome the spring and the wheel will move approximately 1/4". You may want to check the spring and make sure it is in place. Also, there should be a large thick washer between the spring and the coupling. Jim

12-02-2002, 08:08 PM	#12
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	I had that same problem. I went to the junkyard, found a Chevy van, about a 76 or 77. Pulled out the tilt column, and called it a day. 45 bucks allday long. Problem is, some people will tear then up trying to take them out. If you find one not too badly damaged, buy it and get it repaired. I like the Lokar, but dont have the 550.00 to pay for one.



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