steering column inspection
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Durban KZN
steering column inspection
My Coupe was damaged in a storm
. The steering column looks straight and I can't see any wobble when I turn it. I am having the frame straightened.
How can I check that the column has not been damaged?
Is the column on my '73 a collapsible one?
Is it supposed to telescope on the engine side?
Thanks
. The steering column looks straight and I can't see any wobble when I turn it. I am having the frame straightened. How can I check that the column has not been damaged?
Is the column on my '73 a collapsible one?
Is it supposed to telescope on the engine side?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 115
From: Saginaw Michigan
Pull the steering column out of the car. Take note of the aluminum capsules that mount the steering column up into the instrument cluster. The capsules are designed to allow the steering column to "breakaway" and slide forward. The capsules should be tight in the column bracket.
Also when you pull the steering column I can provide dimensions that can tell you if it has collapsed or not.
Jim
Also when you pull the steering column I can provide dimensions that can tell you if it has collapsed or not.
Jim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Durban KZN
Pull the steering column out of the car. Take note of the aluminum capsules that mount the steering column up into the instrument cluster. The capsules are designed to allow the steering column to "breakaway" and slide forward. The capsules should be tight in the column bracket.
Also when you pull the steering column I can provide dimensions that can tell you if it has collapsed or not.
Jim
Also when you pull the steering column I can provide dimensions that can tell you if it has collapsed or not.
Jim
Those dimensions would be a great help.
Thanks
Last edited by MarkZ; Apr 23, 2008 at 01:12 AM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Durban KZN
Just a note the whole front of the frame was bent down(it was on axel stands), which would have pulled the column out (in my humble opinion). We are using it as a double check when it is straightened to see if the frame is back up where it should be.
Last edited by MarkZ; Apr 23, 2008 at 01:17 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 115
From: Saginaw Michigan
Do you have a standard (non-adjustable) or a T&T column?
T&T Column
The length of a T&T steering shaft from the lower bearing to the end of the shaft should be 4.70 inches.
The overall steering shaft length (telescope shaft retracted) 38.60 inches.
The overall steering shaft length (telescope shaft extended) 40.70 inches.
Runout of the lower steering shaft relative to the steering column jacket should not exceed 0.040 TIR.
Standard Column
The length of a standard column steering shaft from the lower bearing to the end of the shaft should be 4.55 inches.
The overall steering shaft length should be 39.69 inches.
Runout of the upper steering shaft relative to the lock housing should not exceed 0.070 TIR.
I don't know why the T&T column has a runout spec with respect to the lower shaft, whereas the standard column has a runout spec relative to the upper end of the shaft.
Jim
T&T Column
The length of a T&T steering shaft from the lower bearing to the end of the shaft should be 4.70 inches.
The overall steering shaft length (telescope shaft retracted) 38.60 inches.
The overall steering shaft length (telescope shaft extended) 40.70 inches.
Runout of the lower steering shaft relative to the steering column jacket should not exceed 0.040 TIR.
Standard Column
The length of a standard column steering shaft from the lower bearing to the end of the shaft should be 4.55 inches.
The overall steering shaft length should be 39.69 inches.
Runout of the upper steering shaft relative to the lock housing should not exceed 0.070 TIR.
I don't know why the T&T column has a runout spec with respect to the lower shaft, whereas the standard column has a runout spec relative to the upper end of the shaft.
Jim
