Tilt column has me questioning! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CTENTA1 · 03-22-2012, 03:19 PM

So it's my first time rebuiling a tilt steering column. I put new upper-lower and lower-lower bearings. I was able to use the old upper-upper tilt bearing by cleaning and greasing (since I was not able to find new). Disassembly went smooth and so did assembly. Now that its completely put back together I'm not sure if I did something wrong. Steering wheel is on. I stood it up on a flat surface by laying steering wheel flat on surface. When I spin the column tube assembly it is nice and smooth. But, the tip of the shaft looks like it spins in a oval. I want to say it's about half inch of oval movement on spin. It also looks as if I had it on tilt but it's not (but same idea). All the bearings seem to be in place everything lines up nothing looks odd except for when you spin.

Someone mention, I might have put the two or one of the upper bearings upside down.

Does anyone have an idea of what might be wrong?

**nightmare** · 03-22-2012, 04:18 PM

does it still have the neutral safety switch on it? could be angular momentum from the spinning of the tube with that on there.

CTENTA1 · 03-22-2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightmare

does it still have the neutral safety switch on it? could be angular momentum from the spinning of the tube with that on there.

No, neutral switch is not on yet. I was going over some pictures from this forum. Someone posted a close up picture of the top bearing. I can already tell I put that one upside down. Unless the one in the picture is also incorrect. Does anyone have any pics of how the bearings should be placed? I plan on taking it apart on Sunday to flip the top bearing. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
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**jaros44sr** · 03-22-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTENTA1

No, neutral switch is not on yet. I was going over some pictures from this forum. Someone posted a close up picture of the top bearing. I can already tell I put that one upside down. Unless the one in the picture is also incorrect. Does anyone have any pics of how the bearings should be placed? I plan on taking it apart on Sunday to flip the top bearing. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
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Do you have the shift tube bearing installed with the retainer and clip, down by the shift lever....seems like that bearing would be the only one that would give you wobble in that lower column

Got pics of the bearing you think is in backwards, i would like to compare it to mine, just in case mine is backwards

CTENTA1 · 03-22-2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Do you have the shift tube bearing installed with the retainer and clip, down by the shift lever....seems like that bearing would be the only one that would give you wobble in that lower column

Got pics of the bearing you think is in backwards, i would like to compare it to mine, just in case mine is backwards

Yes, the bearing is new installed properly and the retainer and clip are both on. FYI the bottom of the shaft has no play inside the bearing. It's a perfect fit. The actual tube moves in oval causing the whole tube, shaft assembly to move. I found a picture under search "Tilt column" for sale. It's the top bearing. I have the plactic that hold the bearings facing down. The picture of the column for sale has the plastic bearing facing up.

CTENTA1 · 03-22-2012, 07:32 PM

This is a picture of one that is or was for sell in this forum. Notice the top bearing you can see the plastic lip that holds the ball bearings. If this is installed correct, then mine is installed incorrect beacuse you cant see the plastic lip wen it's facing down. I will flip my bearing later and let you guys know if it solved the problem.

Name: column.jpg
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Name: column.jpg
Views: 244
Size: 38.7 KB

**jaros44sr** · 03-22-2012, 07:43 PM

So your saying this is wrong?

CTENTA1 · 03-22-2012, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

So your saying this is wrong?

No im not saying it's wrong. I actually hope that's the correct way! because mine is facing the opposite right now and I will be changing it to the way it is in the picture you provided. Hopefully someone can tell us what is correct. Im flipping the bearing hoping it fixes my problem. I'll keep you guys informed.

**jaros44sr** · 03-22-2012, 08:26 PM

Thats good news, took it apart two years ago, without pics, so aleast i got that right!
Hope it solves your prblem

**nightmare** · 03-22-2012, 11:30 PM

yes, the way that is shown in the pic that jaros44sr posted is correct.

**jaros44sr** · 03-23-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightmare

yes, the way that is shown in the pic that jaros44sr posted is correct.

Thanks for the confirmation, Mike. When i looked at the taper of the outer race it seemed it could only go in one way. Never saw a wedge on a bearing race before, but i guess that would be the only design that would allow you to take it apart easily

CTENTA1 · 03-23-2012, 12:31 AM

Well, this was bugging me so much that after I got home from work I decided to take it apart. I took out the tilt bearing and flipped it to it's other side. I put everything back together without any problems or doubts. When I was putting on my aftermarket steering wheel I notice the center hole on mounting hub adapter were the steering shaft slides in was not centered. I then realized that's were my problem was. It's the machined hole in the aluminum mounting hub for the steering wheel. Sure enough it's still doing it. Long story..short. The problem was the aftermarket steering wheel adapter. The good thing out of this was I also realized my tilt bearing had been installed incorrect but now it's been fixed. I also should have never spin tested the way I did. You want to lay the steering column flat longways and the spin the shaft or wheel. Problem solved.
Thank for the help guys!
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**FirstOwner69** · 03-23-2012, 12:33 AM

If I correctly understand what you are describing in post #1, I think your column is probably fine. Mine does the same thing. The steering wheel portion of the column does not always, if ever, line up on the same exact axis as the portion beyond where the tilt occurs due to the normal play in the mechanism. In other words, there is always a little tilt even in the center position. Therefore, when it is rotated as you describe, it will trace a circle in the air at the output end. Tilt the wheel a notch and rotate it. The circle will only be larger. You will never notice it once installed.

CTENTA1 · 03-23-2012, 11:34 AM

That's exactly what I meant. You have a point. I also came to conclusion that the steering wheel adapter doesnt help it any beeing the shaft hole is offset just a hair.

CTENTA1 · 03-23-2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightmare

yes, the way that is shown in the pic that jaros44sr posted is correct.

Thanks for clarifying.

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03-22-2012, 07:32 PM	#6
CTENTA1 Registered 1971 K5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SO.CEN.CAL Posts: 428	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! This is a picture of one that is or was for sell in this forum. Notice the top bearing you can see the plastic lip that holds the ball bearings. If this is installed correct, then mine is installed incorrect beacuse you cant see the plastic lip wen it's facing down. I will flip my bearing later and let you guys know if it solved the problem.

03-22-2012, 07:43 PM	#7
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! So your saying this is wrong? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

03-22-2012, 08:26 PM	#9
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! Thats good news, took it apart two years ago, without pics, so aleast i got that right! Hope it solves your prblem __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

03-23-2012, 12:31 AM	#12
CTENTA1 Registered 1971 K5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SO.CEN.CAL Posts: 428	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! Well, this was bugging me so much that after I got home from work I decided to take it apart. I took out the tilt bearing and flipped it to it's other side. I put everything back together without any problems or doubts. When I was putting on my aftermarket steering wheel I notice the center hole on mounting hub adapter were the steering shaft slides in was not centered. I then realized that's were my problem was. It's the machined hole in the aluminum mounting hub for the steering wheel. Sure enough it's still doing it. Long story..short. The problem was the aftermarket steering wheel adapter. The good thing out of this was I also realized my tilt bearing had been installed incorrect but now it's been fixed. I also should have never spin tested the way I did. You want to lay the steering column flat longways and the spin the shaft or wheel. Problem solved. Thank for the help guys! Posted via Mobile Device

03-23-2012, 12:33 AM	#13
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,852	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! If I correctly understand what you are describing in post #1, I think your column is probably fine. Mine does the same thing. The steering wheel portion of the column does not always, if ever, line up on the same exact axis as the portion beyond where the tilt occurs due to the normal play in the mechanism. In other words, there is always a little tilt even in the center position. Therefore, when it is rotated as you describe, it will trace a circle in the air at the output end. Tilt the wheel a notch and rotate it. The circle will only be larger. You will never notice it once installed.

03-22-2012, 03:19 PM	#1
CTENTA1 Registered 1971 K5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SO.CEN.CAL Posts: 428	Tilt column has me questioning! So it's my first time rebuiling a tilt steering column. I put new upper-lower and lower-lower bearings. I was able to use the old upper-upper tilt bearing by cleaning and greasing (since I was not able to find new). Disassembly went smooth and so did assembly. Now that its completely put back together I'm not sure if I did something wrong. Steering wheel is on. I stood it up on a flat surface by laying steering wheel flat on surface. When I spin the column tube assembly it is nice and smooth. But, the tip of the shaft looks like it spins in a oval. I want to say it's about half inch of oval movement on spin. It also looks as if I had it on tilt but it's not (but same idea). All the bearings seem to be in place everything lines up nothing looks odd except for when you spin. Someone mention, I might have put the two or one of the upper bearings upside down. Does anyone have an idea of what might be wrong?

03-23-2012, 11:34 AM	#14
CTENTA1 Registered 1971 K5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SO.CEN.CAL Posts: 428	Re: Tilt column has me questioning! That's exactly what I meant. You have a point. I also came to conclusion that the steering wheel adapter doesnt help it any beeing the shaft hole is offset just a hair.



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