steering column rattle

[Don in Missouri]

My steering column is loose where it goes through the firewall. The rubber grommet looks OK. It looks like that is all that holds it in place. It is a '92 steering column installed in an '84 crew cab. Is the '92 suppose to have an additional bracket on teh firewall side?



Additionally, the previous owner installed a Brogenson steering shaft. It telescopes and the steering wheel moves in and out 1/4" or more. How can I get that movement out of it?

 

[Don in Missouri]

I took everything loose and repositioned the column trying to get it to seat against the gromet real good. It is better, but still seems loose in the firewall.



I think the telescoping shaft is due to the plastic shear pins being sheared. It looks like it is part of the break-away design in case of a collision. I'd be surprised if you can buy new shear pins. If I can't, I'll either live with it or jam some toothpicks in there.

 

[JLEONARD]

Don, If the shear pins have sheared, you probably won't solve it permenatly by jamming toothpicks in there... . the tube and shaft are molded together... there is a "ring" of plastic around the inner shaft, and the pin is molded into the hole in the tube. . (probably 1/8 inch dia). When the load on the column exceeds what the 1/8 ich pin can handle, it shears off flush with the tube ID. All that's left to hold the tube/shaft together is the friction between the molded "ring" on the shaft and the tube ID.

You could drill thru the tube and shaft and use plastic bolts and nuts to hold them in place.

You could use a steel bolt...

But realize that anything you do to repair it will change it's collapse load and could potentailly injure the driver in a crash... . those loads are safety critical features in a steering column.

If it were mine I'd use two plastic (nylon) bolts and nuts. That would at least keep collapse in the ballpark.

Jay

 

[Don in Missouri]

I have the steering shaft out of an '84 that might be the same. It still has the shear pins in tact. I wonder how big a job it is to put a new shaft in the column? I think the shop manual says the whole unit must be replaced together.

 

[JLEONARD]

I can't imagine it being a big job, but I can imagine it being a PIA. The clockspring can be a pain we all know that.

The column is likely springloaded against 2 cheap radial contact ball bearings... this is for "feel" and column stiffness... part of the vehicles NVH characteristics. It may be retained either by a snap ring, or one of those not re-useable springsteel retaining clips.

A little forethought and resourcefullness and you should be able to get it all back together.

Good luck.



Oh by the way... my guess why the manual says to replace the whole unit is because it's assembled by Chrysler with specials tools and fixturing and the individual parts are not inventoried and sold as replacements.



Jay