1963 Steering Column Rebuild
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
1963 Steering Column Rebuild
Besides refurbishing the brake system on my SWC, I'm also working on the steering system components ... at this juncture, the steering column.
After removing column from car and dismantling the assembly, I found that the column shaft is worn at the locations where the lower bearing and upper bearing (with horn wire) interface with it.
Rather than the inside diameter of the lower bearing fitting with some snug tolerance to the outside diameter of the steering shaft, the steering shaft rotates within the I.D. of the bearing. Said in an other way, the lower bearing, with it's ball bearings, is not working.
I've measured the column shaft O.D. = 0.724". Lower bearing I.D. = 0.734".
WTF!! How are the column bearings supposed to correctly function as roller bearings when the interface tolerances are loose?
HELP!!
Advice and counsel please .
Best Regards,
Pete
After removing column from car and dismantling the assembly, I found that the column shaft is worn at the locations where the lower bearing and upper bearing (with horn wire) interface with it.
Rather than the inside diameter of the lower bearing fitting with some snug tolerance to the outside diameter of the steering shaft, the steering shaft rotates within the I.D. of the bearing. Said in an other way, the lower bearing, with it's ball bearings, is not working.
I've measured the column shaft O.D. = 0.724". Lower bearing I.D. = 0.734".
WTF!! How are the column bearings supposed to correctly function as roller bearings when the interface tolerances are loose?
HELP!!
Advice and counsel please .
Best Regards,
Pete
#2
Le Mans Master
if it makes you feel any better, when I removed my column as a unit to facilitate removal of my cluster last year, the little ball bearings came trickling out - bad sign that.
This thread (cue the excellent DZ diagrams!) should help, since it sounds like you have a column rebuild project in your future:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...985&forum_id=4
note that the 63s have some unique stuff, as always.
This thread (cue the excellent DZ diagrams!) should help, since it sounds like you have a column rebuild project in your future:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...985&forum_id=4
note that the 63s have some unique stuff, as always.
Last edited by ctjackster; 02-01-2007 at 04:59 PM.
#5
Le Mans Master
#6
Le Mans Master
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Fernandina Beach FL
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2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I've got a slightly used one I'll sell you....
Paragon has the next best deal at about $70...
Richard
Paragon has the next best deal at about $70...
Richard
#9
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Apr 2006
Location: New Hampshire
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Replaced mine with a new one 5 years ago. You do not want it to come apart while driving. To me it was a pure safety issue. While your in the area, replace all the bearings with new.
Harry
Harry
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
Given the opportunity that I may be able to purchase your slightly used steering shaft, and also making a rash assumption you'd be asking EBay prices for it, I stopped in at my Bank this morning to get a Money Order.
I quickly learned that bank account had insufficient funds to pay EBay prices.
So, I'm sorry to have to pass on your shaft offer ... shucky-darn.
Pete .
#11
Tech Contributor
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
It seems imperative you must have the horn button wire. Of course, you'll have to determine how to wire-up that little connection .
You betcha, I'm talking about steering here .
Pete .
#13
Tech Contributor
By the way, if you shipped that CD, it has not arrived.