Steering column question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jet Engine Mechanic · 03-14-2009, 10:09 AM

Hello everyone. I've got a quick question.

I've got a '69 shortbed Chevy that I've been working on lately. I was in the middle of installing a new steering wheel when I noticed that the steering shaft inside the column can wiggle around. I can move it about an 1/8th of an inch in all directions. I was just wanting to know if any of you had the same problem with and what the fix would be. I was wondering if there is a bearing inside or something else that needs to be changed out. Thanks

Longhorn Man · 03-14-2009, 10:18 AM

the non tilt columns are like that. they are a crappy design. I'll bet you'd be able to pull the wheel in towards you too if you tried.
I've personally never found the fix, my fix was always to swap it out for a tilt.

68gmsee · 03-14-2009, 11:08 AM

Yes, there's a bearing on top and one on the bottom of the column. Problem is they're a pain to tear down and repair.

I had to take mine apart on my 69 Chevy about 20 years ago to clean and lube it cause the grease was so caked up it had turned hard. Since yours is such a small amount, I wouldn't worry about it unless it's causing problems.

03-14-2009, 10:09 AM	#1
Jet Engine Mechanic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2	Steering column question Hello everyone. I've got a quick question. I've got a '69 shortbed Chevy that I've been working on lately. I was in the middle of installing a new steering wheel when I noticed that the steering shaft inside the column can wiggle around. I can move it about an 1/8th of an inch in all directions. I was just wanting to know if any of you had the same problem with and what the fix would be. I was wondering if there is a bearing inside or something else that needs to be changed out. Thanks

03-14-2009, 10:18 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Steering column question the non tilt columns are like that. they are a crappy design. I'll bet you'd be able to pull the wheel in towards you too if you tried. I've personally never found the fix, my fix was always to swap it out for a tilt.

03-14-2009, 11:08 AM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Steering column question Yes, there's a bearing on top and one on the bottom of the column. Problem is they're a pain to tear down and repair. I had to take mine apart on my 69 Chevy about 20 years ago to clean and lube it cause the grease was so caked up it had turned hard. Since yours is such a small amount, I wouldn't worry about it unless it's causing problems.



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