upper steering colum bearing

[lt704]

Hi Folks, I have a question concerning my steering colum. I have movement in my steering wheel ( a little play). I took off the wheel and the turn signal switch. I have the movement where the shaft comes through the upper bearin, everything is tight. Would a new bearing take care of the slopiness? Should there be any movement in my steering colum where it goes through the bearing? Thanks for the help...Russ

[fastwillie 696969]

when you say sloppy are you talking about the play in the wheel turning or play movement up and down > i would think if the play in the wheel is from turning i would adjust the steering box worn gear ,its possible its worn out ,

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

when you say sloppy are you talking about the play in the wheel turning or play movement up and down > i would think if the play in the wheel is from turning i would adjust the steering box worn gear ,its possible its worn out ,

I agree.

[lt704]

Hi guys, sorry about not being clear. The movement is up and down. Everthing else is nice and tight. What i should have asked is should there be any movement where the colum runs through the upper bearing in the colu,??? I hope this helps...thanks Russ

[68gmsee]

I'm no expert but if I remember correctly, the column is spring loaded by a spring on the engine side with a clamp. I believe you can adjust this clamp.

[67Slider]

^ Yup. I just had to do this too. I had a bit of play after installing the power steering. Loosen the clamp at the upper part of the steering shaft, I had my 9 year old push the wheel so it wouldn't just back out, tap the whole assembly towartd the sterring wheel. You should see the spring compress and then tighten everything up. No more play.

[77chris03]

ok, so the shaft is suppose to float? im redoing my column and not installed yet but when the shaft floats and i have new bearing, cam, etc.

[lt704]

hi Guys, Thanks for the imput. When you folks are talking about the spring loaded clamp?, is this the clamp that is on the engine side of the firewall?? Are you talking about the clamp that has a bolt that goes around the colum? I made sure that it was tight, where is the spring? thanks for the help...Russ

[cpisani70@aol.com]

I recently replaced both the upper and lower bearing in my column what difference and the low was the worst of the two. I would say change them if you have doubt.
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[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by lt704

hi Guys, Thanks for the imput. When you folks are talking about the spring loaded clamp?, is this the clamp that is on the engine side of the firewall?? Are you talking about the clamp that has a bolt that goes around the colum? I made sure that it was tight, where is the spring? thanks for the help...Russ

Yep. As I mentioned on my post it's on the engine side.

Scroll down on this posting and you can see the clamp and spring.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=270062

[lt704]

Thanks everyone for the help. I just ordered the bearings. You folks are the best...Russ

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The lower brg. is supposed to float from the spring pressure & take up the slack. They usually get stuck to the shaft over time. You have the right idea. Replace them both & clean up the shaft.

[lt704]

I found the clamp and spring. thanks again everyone. you sure do learn alot from the guys on this site...Russ

[lt704]

Update on my upper steering colum bearing. After a couple weeks of having movement in my steering wheel the problem has been found and fixed. I put a new upper bearing and had the same problem. The steering shaft came through the bearing tight but the bearing itself still allowed the shaft to move. When i put a 1994 s-10 steering wheel it came with a new turn signal cancellation cam, I used the new one. our 68 trucks cancellation cam is beveled that fits tightly onto the upper bearing. The 1994 cancellation cam does not have a bevel, so thats why i had the movement. I put in the 1968 correct cam and all is well. Sometimes you just have to keep on trying....Russ