Hi guys, trying to resurrect this post now that my frame off is in re-assembly. Fast forward to the end if you would like to help me out.

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My 64 has a loose steering shaft. the wheel can move around side to side. I was told to move up the clamp in the engine compartment to tighten the spring. But the part of the column in the engine compartment allows no room. The clamp is right up against it. Do I need to pull the column in toward the driver first?
Thanks,

 

Sounds like you need a new turn signal switch - it contains he upper steering column bearing! Hope his helps.

Tom

 

There are sveral bolts and places to check.

I just went through adjusting my 64 steering wheel and column.
There are a total of 4 bolts UNDER the dash that secure the steering column to the dash. 2 of them specifically hold the steering column.
Check all four of them and make sure the black collar where the steering column goes IN TO the dash is tight.

Next there is the clamp of the firewall.............check it for tightness.

Next, make sure the bolt that holds the steering rag joint on to the steering wheel shaft is tight as well.

Make sure you check the bolt down on the rag joint that holds the rag joint to the steering box.

The last bolt to check would be the one that holds the clamp that is on the steering column to hold the spring that is just past the clamp towards the steering box.

Those are the only bolts that I know of, if there are more then I am apologize.

I just had to go through installing the steering box and it took me several tried to get the adjustable steering column exactly where I wanted it and also get the splines on the column to mathc the steering box splines.

I kept tweaking it and finally got it where I want it and it was just through the adjustment places I listed that I was able to find a nice secure comfortable steering wheel position.

If your steering SHAFT is moving sideways IN THE COLUMN............then what I suggested won't help. You said column and not shaft so I thought it's the column that is moving and NOT The internal shaft. That is a whole other problem.

 

I would bet the tangs on the end of the column tube have broken off.

 

This helps a lot. But, it is the shaft within the column that is loose. Someone took it apart and I have to get it back right.

The upper bearing is good. I already bought a new one and it's the same as what's in there. I was told to compress the spring from the engine compartment while someone is pressing down on the shaft form inside. But the spring clamp is already all the way up to the column and won't go any farther.

So do i need to adjust the column into the car first?

 

You mention your lower clamp is up against the spring but what about the rest of the components? Above the spring there is a washer/spacer, the lower bearing assembly and what is described in the 65 AIM as the seat but it's basically a flanged item the bearing fit's up into. Sorry, I just shipped my cars via Intercity to Arizona and can't take a pic of the lower column area. Can you post a pic of your lower column arrangement?
Mike T.

 

Check this out: http://lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/vettetech.html

Go to "Tech Section" and then to "Suspension and Steering". Great articles that may help you sort things out. Dave

 

Wow. Thanks! I can see this will be surely helpful. I can't wait to dig in now. Firstly, I think I may be missing the LOWER bearing altogether. Need to take another look. More to come.

 

That would do it!

 

Be sure to check for wear on the steering shaft at the lower bearing area. Shaft may need replacing if it's grooved.

 

I believe this only be true on telescopic steering columns.....standard column upper bearing can be replaced w/o involving turn signal switch.

 

I can confirm that. Already bought one and can easily remove and replace the bearing on my standard column.

 

gccch.....How much 'play' do you actually have? Mine had what I thought to be excessive, so I replaced the upper bearing with a new one, and found no improvement. If you do a search on the forum regarding this topic, you will find it's a common problem.
The bearings were never very tight to begin with.

 

My car came with the column partially dis-assembled and a lot of play. It's not within a "normal" range I am sure. I've managed to improve a little but when I get a chance I really need to investigate the lower end...

Thanks,
Greg

 

Here are a couple pics of what the lower end looks like.

 

Your lower bearing is shot/missing, and the race is probably cutting a groove in your steering shaft; if you have lateral play at the top end, the retaining tangs on the column jacket are probably broken so the turn signal housing isn't tied to the column jacket. Remove it from the car and tear it down.

 

Whoa that one looks bad. I suspect my top end is not so bad. We will see in a couple weeks.

 

How would you know? The one photo John posted of the tube in the car was of my '66. Here's a video of what the column/wheel was doing before disassembly for your reference.



Here's disassembled with a new column tube. The problem is pretty common.



Good luck.

Allan

 

Thanks a lot Allan. You are right, I have no clue how bad it may be deeper than I have looked so far. I have only removed enough to get to the bearing. I can see yours was way more loose than mine is though. I've only had time to fiddle with it.

John Z, I will definitely remove the entire column and shaft and inspect for wear. It appears I am missing the lower bearing housing which allows the spring to shoot up into the column. I like your idea to pull it all out and check it over closely. This will be the first baby step!

My subject line is misleading. It's not the column housing that is loose but the shaft within the column (so the wheel is sloppy laterally). At least with all the help I've gotten here so far I'm able to learn the right nomenclature!

Thanks again everyone!

Greg

 

I finally got to remove my steering shaft. Found the remains of the bearing deep in the column. It is grooved but the area of the damage sits deep in the column. Since the lower cap of the column was missing the bearing was pushed up inside where it created the grooves. When I reassemble to check the fit the bearing area is nice and smooth and the damage is hidden inside the column.