Steering Column Question

[arturo7]

I'm preparing to clean the steering column on my '59. Do I need to seal off the slot near the bottom before I attack the grime with degreaser and a pressure washer?

thanks

[arturo7]

Maybe I should rephrase the question...

Is it OK if water and degreaser get in that hole?

[OrrieG]

I would think not. Gently clean around it, duct tape it up and start cleaning, same with the top, you don't want to get water down in the column. I wouldn't use a pressure washer, just some engine cleaner if its really greasy, then Simple Green or similar and a stiff brush. If necessary you could use a wire wheel on a drill or die grinder for rust or really stubborn stuff. Same with blasting, don't want to get sand or ?? down in bearing or moving parts.

[arturo7]

Thanks, O

[yossarian19]

Yeah, water / grease / junk in the bottom steering bearing are going to kill it. Either knock it out (if its easy enough) or careful not to get stuff in there.