Steering column part 2

[bgilbert]

Ok got it removed. Might have found my hard to steer/grinding problem. Is this replaceable? Or do I need a new shaft/column? Anyone got a tilt column they'd give me. Must be some type of bearing at the bottom of the column engine side where the shaft exits. Pics:

 

[Dieselman359]

Hmmm

Well, whaddya know, it wasn't that "bendover shaft afterall. :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[swankmetal]

yikes! and you thought you had power steering, huh? oh yeah, good luck on your search.

 

[bgilbert]

Chris, I think the bendover shaft helped wear this out- made it work harder, no more give etc. Those are ball bearings in there I believe, looks like some are missing and it finally gave out. Wonder if I found a tilt column in a j/y if it would be a bolt in job? C'mon Mr. Timken, Philip, other owners of 'old' pre 90 Dodge truck owners any ideas?

 

[JLEONARD]

Bill, There probably was a bearing in there. I Don't know what Chry used, but typoically they are a cheaply made bearing with stamped races. Angular contact ball bearing is the name I think if you want to search for one.

OD and ID of the shaft is all a good bearing supply house would need to cross reference one for you.



And take it from experience... I doubt a Borgeson shaft would be responsible for destroying the bearing... if properly installed that is.



Jay

 

[bgilbert]

Jay, so what now, I need to figure out how to get that old bearing/crap out of there? I have a decent bearing shop in town. I couldn't see how to separate the two shafts...

 

["Mad Max"]

Whole thing has to come apart bud - might not be too bad a deal as the rest of the internals are probably ready to go as well. If you tear it apart you can replace all the nasty in there.

- S

 

[Philip]

Bill



I can't help to much on this one. I have never had to replace one. You might want to go down to the local dealer and look at the parts breakdown. It will show you how it comes apart.



Now on early chevy's I have replaced many.

 

[Paychk]

Bill



Your column is fairly simple. Under the steering wheel, where the turn signal switch is, are 3 screws and a c-clip, remove them & the turn switch. The housing the screws hold in place contains the upper bearing. Once the c-clip is removed the whole shaft should slid out, allowing access to the lower bearing. The FSM states to replace the bearings if there is any roughness or wear, so at one time they should have been available at the Dealer. IF not, then try your local bearing supplier. Lube with multipurpose grease.



Also ****CAUTION**** the steering shaft has plastic shear pins; don't drop, bang, jolt, or hammer on the steering shaft. If the pins shear; then the shaft must be replaced.

 

[bgilbert]

Well I got it apart. Talk about a WORN out bearing. It came apart in three pieces or what was left of the three. The inside piece was all torn up, so ball bearings were missing, not lubed at all, all rusty. Then after the balls and the inside portion of the bearing was removed, the outer portion of the bearing was still pressed in the outer jacket or shaft. I forgot to mention, I've had a steering column from a 87 D100 for sometime. The bro in law thought I was stupid for taking a bunch of junk parts off a guy that was parting out his 87. I mean a bunch of junk little parts. But guess what, sitting there on the steering shaft was the bearing I needed. In good shape, just needed to take a grease bath. Lubed it up, used the socket and hammer press, so now after some sleep I will see how it works once I get everything bolted back up. I'll let yall know.

 

[Don in Missouri]

I've got a non-tilt column out of an '84 I'd give away.



Don

Columbia,MO

 

[bgilbert]

Thanks to all who helped on this one. I got it back together. Hopefully I got that used bearing pressed in good enough and it won't fall out down the road . I haven't driven it, only pulled a RLanum and drove around the block. Steers better, but not as good as my 78 power wagon :-laf , I must be used to that loose goose steering around town, corners etc. of course the bendoverson shaft keeps the truck going straight down the highway keeping yourself in your lane. As far as local, I hate it. Maybe my power steering pump is weak . Just goes to show you whenever you can get your hands on old Dodge truck parts gas or diesel don't pass them up!

 

[JLEONARD]

Bill,

Glad to hear it's all back tgogeether again.