PeteZ

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

ctjackster

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.

SPLITRAY

Well ctjackster, At least you still had some little ***** to trickle out when you disassembled! I didn't have any (bearing) ***** at all!

Seaside63

If needed, the shaft thickness can be built up with welding and then turned back down to size in a lathe...

ctjackster

or you can buy another shaft . . . . join the "got the [new] shaft club" - many of us joined recently

Richard454

I've got a slightly used one I'll sell you....



Paragon has the next best deal at about $70...

Richard

Seaside63

Wow that's funny/scary.

I didn't realize replacements were so easy to get.

ctjackster

yeah I remember that pic - he posted it when I suggested that my shaft was badly grooved, he showed me what badly grooved really meant

63driver

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

PeteZ

Hi Richard,

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 .

62Jeff

My shaft is still brand new, barely used.

Oh wait, you are talking about steering aren't you?

PeteZ

GULP!!! . All I'm able to suggest as a possible remedy for your shaft would be to find companionable, well-matched, similar in temperament and appropriate lower bearing jacket with correct spacers, retainers, etc. . Oh ya, make sure to find all of the above plus a column upper bearing with the horn wire .

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 .

62Jeff

Hmmmm, luckily I've recently spent many, many hours on my back working with wiring, electronic probes, and sensitivity meters. Perhaps all of that will be of some help.

By the way, if you shipped that CD, it has not arrived.