Steering column repair
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Sioux Falls South Dakota
Steering column repair
Went to replace my steering column and found that the lower shaft is bent. I have seen that others have been able to heat them and press it to be able to use again. If this did not work can a replacement shaft be purchased and if so where. Thanks to all who can help me with this serious problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
It is very important that the lower steering shaft be as straight as possible. The Saginaw steering column assembly drawings have a specification for runout of the steering shaft as measured near the steering column bearing:
"WITH COLUMN ASSEMBLY SUPPORTED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE COLUMN JACKET, RUNOUT OF SHAFT MEASURED IN AREA BELOW BEARING ASSEMBLY MUST NOT EXCEED 0.040 inch TIR."
BTW, you haven't mentioned if you have a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a Tilt & Telescoping type. The steering shafts are very different.
Rather than heating the lower shaft to try and straighten it, I would suggest the following:
Remove the steering shaft from the steering column.
Find a shop with a large hydraulic press.
Place the steering shaft on a set of 'V' blocks that are located in the same locations as the upper and lower steering column bearings.
Rotate the strg shaft and measure the runout with a dial indicator near the lower 'V' block.
Use the press to gradually tweak the shaft to meet the runout spec.
All I can tell you is that all of the Saginaw manufactured steering column assembly drawings have that straightness specification for the lower shaft runout. So it is very important.
Sorry, I do not have any information on where to find a replacement steering shaft.
Jim
"WITH COLUMN ASSEMBLY SUPPORTED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE COLUMN JACKET, RUNOUT OF SHAFT MEASURED IN AREA BELOW BEARING ASSEMBLY MUST NOT EXCEED 0.040 inch TIR."
BTW, you haven't mentioned if you have a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a Tilt & Telescoping type. The steering shafts are very different.
Rather than heating the lower shaft to try and straighten it, I would suggest the following:
Remove the steering shaft from the steering column.
Find a shop with a large hydraulic press.
Place the steering shaft on a set of 'V' blocks that are located in the same locations as the upper and lower steering column bearings.
Rotate the strg shaft and measure the runout with a dial indicator near the lower 'V' block.
Use the press to gradually tweak the shaft to meet the runout spec.
All I can tell you is that all of the Saginaw manufactured steering column assembly drawings have that straightness specification for the lower shaft runout. So it is very important.
Sorry, I do not have any information on where to find a replacement steering shaft.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Jun 29, 2016 at 09:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Sioux Falls South Dakota
I thank you for your reply. I have the T T steering column and was hoping to replace the lower shaft with new. Will take apart and try the shop repair. Thanks again. May be in touch with you again if I need more help. Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
Steering column
For parts you may check Steering Columns Galore in NY State. They rebuilt the column in my 70 SS Chevelle. I know they used to sell parts. It is worth a shot. Jerry
