Squeeky colum/steering wheel??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HotRod929 · 03-26-2003, 02:01 PM

Hey,
Whenever I turn my steering wheel the column squeeks like heck. I was wondering how to get rid of this squeel. I tride spraying the steering shaft in the engine with WD40 and that hellped a bit but it just came back. Any Ideas? Also how can I fix the slop in my coulum shifter? It takes almost no effort to move it between the gears. Thanks for the help.

HotRod

Stroker · 03-26-2003, 08:26 PM

I had a simular problem with my 72. Eventually the noise changed to more of a grinding sound. I quit driving the truck when the wheel started to feel like it was binding a little. When I disassembled the cab for the resto and removed the steering column the lower bearings started falling out. It's hard to say if you have the same problem but you definately need to find out the source of the problem. Don't push your luck as far as I did. Good luck...Stroker

krue · 03-26-2003, 09:52 PM

I'm no expert, but I remember with my first truck (a '69 back in 86)
I had to take the column apart and weld another metal block at the bottom of the shift lever to take slop out of shifter. I know that doesn't make sense but if you look at it you might be able to figure out what I'm talking about....Then again I may just be wastin your time.

lngbed71 · 03-26-2003, 10:05 PM

The previous two replies are right on. Behind the wheel you will find a small bearing assembly inside the column shaft, when it gets tired (and they do) it squeaks and sounds like a nest of birds, a very easy fix and parts are out there. The slop in your gear shifting may be on the firewall side of the colum, you may be able to un-slop that by gently squeezing the ears together with channel locks. You may want to check the end of your shift lever as well, that wears out as well.

Gordo · 03-26-2003, 10:17 PM

Another possiblity, if the cab is settled due to rusting/rotting cab mounts, it puts pressure on the column to hold the cab up and puts a hurtin' on the bearings.

03-26-2003, 02:01 PM	#1
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	Squeeky colum/steering wheel??? Hey, Whenever I turn my steering wheel the column squeeks like heck. I was wondering how to get rid of this squeel. I tride spraying the steering shaft in the engine with WD40 and that hellped a bit but it just came back. Any Ideas? Also how can I fix the slop in my coulum shifter? It takes almost no effort to move it between the gears. Thanks for the help. HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

03-26-2003, 08:26 PM	#2
Stroker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Moore, Ok Posts: 1,149	I had a simular problem with my 72. Eventually the noise changed to more of a grinding sound. I quit driving the truck when the wheel started to feel like it was binding a little. When I disassembled the cab for the resto and removed the steering column the lower bearings started falling out. It's hard to say if you have the same problem but you definately need to find out the source of the problem. Don't push your luck as far as I did. Good luck...Stroker __________________ 72 SWB parts and pieces Oklahoma

03-26-2003, 10:05 PM	#4
lngbed71 Nothing fits but the oil Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gaston, Indiana Posts: 424	The previous two replies are right on. Behind the wheel you will find a small bearing assembly inside the column shaft, when it gets tired (and they do) it squeaks and sounds like a nest of birds, a very easy fix and parts are out there. The slop in your gear shifting may be on the firewall side of the colum, you may be able to un-slop that by gently squeezing the ears together with channel locks. You may want to check the end of your shift lever as well, that wears out as well. __________________ Land of the free Because of the brave

03-26-2003, 10:17 PM	#5
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Another possiblity, if the cab is settled due to rusting/rotting cab mounts, it puts pressure on the column to hold the cab up and puts a hurtin' on the bearings. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

03-26-2003, 09:52 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	I'm no expert, but I remember with my first truck (a '69 back in 86) I had to take the column apart and weld another metal block at the bottom of the shift lever to take slop out of shifter. I know that doesn't make sense but if you look at it you might be able to figure out what I'm talking about....Then again I may just be wastin your time.



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