Shaky '79 Steering Column
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Shaky '79 Steering Column
I had a mechanic say my steering column fails inspection (Virginia) because when the steering wheel is pulled down it dips about a 1/4 inch. The column feels like something inside the tilt assembly may be loose. Is this slight dip normal for a 79 vette with T & T?
I've had the column disassembled down to the point where I did tighten and thread lock the 3 bolts inside the column near the bearings (past the tilt pivot point) if that makes sense.?
Also, I need an idea of how I replace the bearings. (Some fell out when I was tightening those 3 bolts…I did put the fallen bearing that I found back in. Man that was fun!
What do you think?
Thanks for the help!!!
Ken
I've had the column disassembled down to the point where I did tighten and thread lock the 3 bolts inside the column near the bearings (past the tilt pivot point) if that makes sense.?
Also, I need an idea of how I replace the bearings. (Some fell out when I was tightening those 3 bolts…I did put the fallen bearing that I found back in. Man that was fun!
What do you think?
Thanks for the help!!!
Ken
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I had a '77 with that same problem. My mechanic told me that inside there are a bunch of plastic rings and bearings. He said some of the plastic rings were cracked, and he'd have to tear into the column to replace them. I sold the car before I had a chance to fix it. Just thoughts.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
I hate to admit to this, but I found a rebuilt column on ebay for under $300.00 My old column had the same problem. The rebuilt unit was well worth it, new keys & lock cylinder, turn signal mechanisms, bearings etc...
