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I pulled the standard steering column out to replace the lower bearing and when I went to put it back in... it's suddenly too short. As in like 1.5" away from the rag joint. I pulled it back out and managed to pull the shaft out maybe 1/4" but that's it. I can't get the coupling to reach both the steering shaft and the gear box. I know it's something so stupid I'm going to wish I hadn't asked. But, I'm stumped. The flange is up against the firewall inside and the steering gear box is mounted firmly. What did I do?
Not sure that I'll be able to tell anything, but I'll look.
here you go.... looks like there is something missing. Not sure what that collar is called, nor if our columns are different.
I have a '69 column, so maybe that's what the deal is? Mine is supposed to have a tab that goes to the transmission interlock, but it's not there. Never seen that collar. Either way, it looks like yours is long enough to reach. And mine used to be. I've taken it out four times and pulled it apart and can't figure out what I did wrong. Thanks for the pic.
I have a '69 column, so maybe that's what the deal is? Mine is supposed to have a tab that goes to the transmission interlock, but it's not there. Never seen that collar. Either way, it looks like yours is long enough to reach. And mine used to be. I've taken it out four times and pulled it apart and can't figure out what I did wrong. Thanks for the pic.
I had a similar problem on the column on my 68 convert, which is similar to your column. You are missing the collar, the spring and the washer that is on the rag joint end, but that is not your problem. Loosen everything up on the rag joint end and on the steering wheel end. The upper bearing has to fit in the round "pocket" that secures the top of the steering column inside the steering column outer tube. If you pulled the column out, the bearing is hitting the pocket, but is not centered and is not fully inserted. I had to jiggle mine around quite a bit, while pressing down to move it into place. It finally snapped into place and moved down about 3/4 inch. It also moved back out as soon as I let go of it, so you may need to have someone help hold it in place while you tighten things up.
Hi EM,
I don't know if these will help?
It shows a typical gap between the the steering column shaft and the shaft in the steering box.
Is there something that can prevent the shaft from being pulled back out after it's been 'collapsed'?
Regards,
Alan
I had a similar problem on the column on my 68 convert, which is similar to your column. You are missing the collar, the spring and the washer that is on the rag joint end, but that is not your problem. Loosen everything up on the rag joint end and on the steering wheel end. The upper bearing has to fit in the round "pocket" that secures the top of the steering column inside the steering column outer tube. If you pulled the column out, the bearing is hitting the pocket, but is not centered and is not fully inserted. I had to jiggle mine around quite a bit, while pressing down to move it into place. It finally snapped into place and moved down about 3/4 inch. It also moved back out as soon as I let go of it, so you may need to have someone help hold it in place while you tighten things up.
When you say to loosen everything up on the steering wheel end, do you mean that I need to disassemble the turn signal hardware and ignition switch so I can get into the top part?
Thanks, Alan, for the pictures. They do show that my steering shaft isn't sticking out far enough.
03-25-2017, 10:14 PM
Steering column re-install issue
I pulled it back out and managed to pull the shaft out maybe 1/4" but that's it. I can't get the coupling to reach both the steering shaft and the gear box. I know it's something so stupid I'm going to wish I hadn't asked. But, I'm stumped. The flange is up against the firewall inside and the steering gear box is mounted firmly. What did I do?
