steering shaft spring
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Cottage Grove Wisconsin
steering shaft spring
Putting my steering shaft back in on my 64 and was wondering if anyone can tell me how much tension I should put on the spring before I clamp it to secure the lower bearing in (should have measured before I took it apart )
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
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From: Maine
Jack
Ps loosen rag bolt so shaft can move into joint while doing this
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
All respect to Jack and his many miles of driving but on my '63 (basically the same as your '64). I marked the depth of the spline end of the shaft into the rag joint with white paint before disassembly so I knew how far it had to be re-seated on assembly.
The AIM will tell you the splined shaft section has to be into the rag joint at least 1/2 way. Then, with the steering column assembled I used a .020 feeler gauge between the spring coils to measure the spring tension. One of those jobs where you need a third hand. I actually used a Stanley wood-working clamp to goose the spring up tight on the column and then tightened the wood clamp like mad while taking the measurement. Once I got it right I tightened the spring's clamp collar down and removed the wood clamp. The spring establishes the bearing pre-load but it doesn't seem super critical but I wanted it correct.
When its done properly that spring is pretty compressed. Lots of cars driving around with slop in this area.
The AIM will tell you the splined shaft section has to be into the rag joint at least 1/2 way. Then, with the steering column assembled I used a .020 feeler gauge between the spring coils to measure the spring tension. One of those jobs where you need a third hand. I actually used a Stanley wood-working clamp to goose the spring up tight on the column and then tightened the wood clamp like mad while taking the measurement. Once I got it right I tightened the spring's clamp collar down and removed the wood clamp. The spring establishes the bearing pre-load but it doesn't seem super critical but I wanted it correct.
When its done properly that spring is pretty compressed. Lots of cars driving around with slop in this area.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 5, 2015 at 09:20 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Cottage Grove Wisconsin
Thanks to all got it together after a little work looks like your picture.
now all I have to do is figure out what is causing a single click in the steering hub when I turn steering wheel to the right. no one said this was easy
Thanks again
now all I have to do is figure out what is causing a single click in the steering hub when I turn steering wheel to the right. no one said this was easy
Thanks again
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,182
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From: going faster miles an hour...with the radio on in browns mills new jersey
A little late to the party but #4 may apply.
From the Service Manual:
1. Loosen spring clamp bolt.
2. Position clamp to allow .005 min. to .030 max. /axial movement of steering shaft.
3. Tighten clamp bolt to 20 ft. lbs.
4. Check to see that there is at least 1/8" clearance between the clamp and mast jacket to avoid any interference.
From the Service Manual:
1. Loosen spring clamp bolt.
2. Position clamp to allow .005 min. to .030 max. /axial movement of steering shaft.
3. Tighten clamp bolt to 20 ft. lbs.
4. Check to see that there is at least 1/8" clearance between the clamp and mast jacket to avoid any interference.
