[cv2065]

Hi all. I'm debating whether or not to replace my steering column in my '67. I had some slop a while back, replaced the steering box, and it improved, but not completely, so my rag joint was next on the list, as I don't get any play when testing for pitman or idler issues.

When I'm steering the car, the wheel/column resonds as expected, but it sounds a bit like a dry rub when I turn the wheel, with some unexpected popping from time to time, especially when I turn to a full lock. All of this is coming from the column itself, by/under the steering wheel. My signal cancelling is also not working. One other thing. As I was getting it aligned a few weeks back, when the wheel was turning it looked as if the cylinder that the wheel spins on is a bit warped.

Suggestions to fix/replace would be appreciated.

 

[gordr]

Does the steering wheel have any lateral play? Meaning left - right, and/or up - down...If any play there, then time to either rebuild the column or replace it. Same down below where the second bearing is nearest the rag joint...check for side - side play of the column rod there. If no play, then the rub could be other things...only way to find out is pull the steering wheel off as you have to do it anyway to fix the cancel cam, might even be pieces from the cancel cam down in there scraping.

By cylinder the wheel spins on you mean the cover immediately below the steering wheel? or...?

 

[cv2065]

Yes, I have about an inch of play in the wheel to either side. I've had the wheel off a few times, and thought that I had fixed the cancelling cam.

When it comes to pulling the entire column, from what I've read, its a fairly straight forward, somewhat quick procedure. Is that correct and do you have any additional resources that explains in detail?

Thanks again Gordon.

 

[gordr]

That's a lot of play if you're sitting in the car and jiggling the steering wheel from left to right (without turning the steering wheel) .... gotta pull the column out, rebuild it or replace it. It's pretty straightforward to get it out, mainly just rig up a support block and stuff from the floor under the column so when you loosen the column to support frame bolts that nothing gets bent by hanging. Also take pix as you take the bolts and shims off so they go back on the same way. Then you undo the rag joint and pull column up into the drivers compartment and out.

 

[cv2065]

Thanks for the info Gordon. Not sure when I'll be able to tackle, but should be before Xmas.

 

[scblucam]

Is that play rotationally or laterally? Lateral = bad bearings. Rotationally = slop somewhere in the steering system from the rag joint to the ball joints.