The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Piece broken in steering column

I've noticed my steering wheel has "vertical play" in it-meaning that I can lift the steering wheel and the shaft inside the column up and down 1-2 inches. So I recently took the steering wheel off to have a look at the problem and found this: http://s809.photobucket.com/albums/...action=view&current=IMG_1997copy.jpg

Take note of the shaft resting in the bottom of the sleeve and the two broken tabs. I could only find one of the two broken tabs.

Broken metal tab: http://s809.photobucket.com/albums/...20/?action=view&current=IMG_2003.jpg

I noticed a bearing http://s809.photobucket.com/albums/...20/?action=view&current=IMG_2006.jpg inside the turn signal assembly, is this what is supposed to support and center the steering shaft? Also, what to do about the broken tabs? I've yet to find that metal piece online to replace the whole thing. I've also considered trying to weld the tabs back on or even taking the piece off another truck in a junkyard. The difficulty in replacing the whole piece would be taking it off.

Thanks

I'm having trouble opening up the pictures with my 'ol slow dail-up, but it sounds like you have broken the tabs on the steering column "Jacket". I broke 1 or 2 on my '66 GMC. At the time (late 70's) I bought a new jacket from GM. It was a pain to change, but it went along. Today, besides most likey not being able to get a new one, I would consider just changing the whole column. I never had to try it, but you should be able to leave the steering shaft in place when changing it. I would also change the bottom bushing while it's out if you see any wear on it and you may want to also change the small bearing that you have mentioned too.

Bill

I think we're talking about the same thing. I'm just a little leary of putting in a new column because I have to deal with all of the mess associated that comes with having a 3 speed on the column--but it might come down to that.

You need a new mast jacket and the top & bottom bearing, which are replaceable without removing the steering column shaft from the steering gear box at the rag joint. If you still need these items, shot me a PM and I can get you put back together with some good, used parts.

Tony Smith
[email protected]

I have the same problem in my '64 K10. Two of the tabs have broken off, bearings are both shot, turn signal lever still works when it isnt hanging down and jabbing me in the leg. I have obtained a replacement tube and new top and bottom bearings. My question is, How is the lower bearing installed? does it slide down the column from the top? seems like a tight fit, but I don't see any other way to get it in place. I still haven't removed the pieces of the old lower bearing from the shaft yet either. Any suggestions? mast tube is out, shaft is still connected to the steering box in the truck. thanks, Steve

The lower brg. comes on from the bottom. Part of the old one is usually frozen to the shaft. You have to heat it or cut it to get it off. The bearing is supposed to float on the shaft with the spring forceing it up to take up the slack. You will have to buff or emery the shaft so the bearing will slide on it.

how does the shaft come apart above the rag joint?

Should be a pinch bolt & splines. There are some variations through the years so I might be wrong.

I rebuilt my column and in doing so discovered the steering shaft was nearly cut in half due to the lower bearing failing.

With Tony Smiths guidance, in both advice and good used parts, I was able to rebuild the column.

At the time I did a how to in regards to removing the column. Check out post #25 of my build thread: http://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=13928&page=2

The rag joint flange on the 4-5-6 Chevy trucks is welded to the steering column shaft, so the lower and upper bearing must be installed from the top.

P.S. - Thanks John. I am glad I could help.

Trey:
I made up two new tabs from the one that was exisiting out of 16 guage metal, then mig welded them back on to where the two were broken. The nice thing is that I could do it inside the truck without taking the whole column apart.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans