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Steering column rebuild

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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 09:30 PM
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Default Steering column rebuild

I think I know the answer but it has been multiple years since I rebuilt a steering column.

I believe I have it all back together but since the entire thing came out in one piece when I disconnected from the rag joint, it has me second guessing.

Should the steering wheel hub/column be independent of the outer tube/lower cup shaped hub? Meaning I can slide the steering column in and out of the tube freely.

If I remember correctly the tube and 'cup' which are firmly attached are bolted to the body and hub/steering wheel/column are attached to the rag joint. There is a gap of .07-.09

Have I got this right?
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 11:29 AM
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I just finished my steering wheel project. I removed it as one piece, except the steering wheel, did my work, reassembled as a unit minus the steering wheel and reinstalled it. Dennis
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Bluestripe67
I just finished my steering wheel project. I removed it as one piece, except the steering wheel, did my work, reassembled as a unit minus the steering wheel and reinstalled it. Dennis
Precisely how I did it on my '63
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by TX63CONV

Should the steering wheel hub/column be independent of the outer tube/lower cup shaped hub? Meaning I can slide the steering column in and out of the tube freely.
You can until you install the spring and clamp on the steering shaft, just above the rag joint. The spring is to pre-load the upper column bearing.

I think that answers your question?
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeM
You can until you install the spring and clamp on the steering shaft, just above the rag joint. The spring is to pre-load the upper column bearing.

I think that answers your question?
Forgot about the spring and clamp. Exactly what I needed. Thanks.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by MikeM
You can until you install the spring and clamp on the steering shaft, just above the rag joint. The spring is to pre-load the upper column bearing.

I think that answers your question?


Mike,

I tried to send a private message to you but your message center is full. I had a question on the upper column bearing and how do you preload it when it seems to be free floating.

Steve
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Old May 4, 2015 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by 66BlkBB
Mike,

I tried to send a private message to you but your message center is full. I had a question on the upper column bearing and how do you preload it when it seems to be free floating.

Steve
If you have the upper cylindrical spacer on the car and the upper shaft nut torqued (items #6 and #2 in first picture) onto the steering wheel the bearing won't be 'free floating' once the spring/clamp are tightened to specs (item #17 in second picture).
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Last edited by Frankie the Fink; May 4, 2015 at 10:54 AM.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 12:49 PM
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Frank,

Evidently I have a different manual than you do. Mine does not show the parts that yours breaks down. Here is a copy of my page. It is page #211 in my manual. I do not have a page #212. What page did you post out of your manual? Possibly the cylinder spacer yours shows is an integral part of the hub on my column.


Last edited by 66BlkBB; May 4, 2015 at 12:52 PM.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 01:09 PM
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Page 157 Section 9 Sheet 5.00 out of the '63 AIM; the picture matches my '63 components exactly so I don't know what you're looking at... The spacer is a '63 only part and not integral to anything; its a stand alone part. Here is a pic of my column's components (May 29th car).
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Last edited by Frankie the Fink; May 4, 2015 at 01:13 PM.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 01:21 PM
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Page 210, UPC 9, A4 in the 1966 AIM.


.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by buns
Page 210, UPC 9, A4 in the 1966 AIM.


.


I've got that but it doesn't give the upper hub and steering wheel setup. I think that my bearing is free floating due to the fact that I kept the old turn signal switch and just replaced the bearing without getting it pinned to the switch housing.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 01:41 PM
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Yeah - you have to look twice when dealing with a 63 - Soooo many things are one-off, 63 only components it gets dizzying....
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