Wobbly steering column
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Spokane Washington
Wobbly steering column
I have a newly aquired 72 convertible. The steering column is loose, moves side to side. It is a tilt/tele. Has anyone taken one apart, if so is it dificult and what part is causing it to wobble. Will I need a new bushing or something similar. I am ordering an assemble manual but that may not tell me before hand what part is suspect.
cal
cal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
when i got my 78 it had a steering column from another yr. and it also was wobbly. i took it all apart and found that there is a bearing in there that goes bad. it required even more disassembly to get at, and the bearing has to be pressed on and off. i just replaced the whole column with a better used one that was correct for the 78.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
my 75 column was real wobbly. there are 2 sets of bearings in the upper part of the steering column that the tilt/tele shaft rides on. i got new ball bearings at a bicycle shop. disassembling the column is pretty easy but there are alot of little pieces. you don't need to remove the column from the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Its very common for the Steering column supports (pivot Knuckles) to go bad on these T/T columns. I bought mine at Corvette Steering service. http://www.corvettesteering.com/corvette%20parts.htm
The part costs $75 and requires quite of bit of tedious work to install. I took mine out of the car so that I could disassemble, repaint and replace all the bearings and the turn signal switch.
The part costs $75 and requires quite of bit of tedious work to install. I took mine out of the car so that I could disassemble, repaint and replace all the bearings and the turn signal switch.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Spokane Washington
Originally Posted by chris75stingray
my 75 column was real wobbly. there are 2 sets of bearings in the upper part of the steering column that the tilt/tele shaft rides on. i got new ball bearings at a bicycle shop. disassembling the column is pretty easy but there are alot of little pieces. you don't need to remove the column from the car.
Thanks
cal
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
This paper describes a couple simple tests that you can perform to determine the source of your column looseness. There are two other papers as well as three pages of line drawings that can assist you in disassembly of the column. The papers are located in the steering section at www.corvettefaq.com
Here is a link to the first paper with the tests.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/T&TColumnD&R121AU05.doc
Jim
Here is a link to the first paper with the tests.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/T&TColumnD&R121AU05.doc
Jim
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Amelia Ohio
I had the same problem with my 79. Ordered bearings from Eckler's, but turned out there were 4 screws that were loose after I got past the pivet piont. A little thread locker and a whole lot of, "Now where did this part go?" and all is good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Originally Posted by cal camara
Your kidding that is all it took? Were the bike bearings the same? Did you need a special tool?
Thanks
cal
Thanks
cal
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Great Idea!!! Getting replacement column bearings at a bicycle shop!!!
I would guess that they probably were a lot cheaper than purchasing them through a dealer.
I have already updated my Tilt & Telescoping Column Disassembly & Repair paper #3 to include the tip. It will be posted at Terry Rudy's corvettefaq.com websight in a few days.
Jim Shea
I would guess that they probably were a lot cheaper than purchasing them through a dealer.
I have already updated my Tilt & Telescoping Column Disassembly & Repair paper #3 to include the tip. It will be posted at Terry Rudy's corvettefaq.com websight in a few days.
Jim Shea
