Steering coupler
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: CA
Steering coupler
What is the best way to replace the steering coupler on my 74. Have read of two ways.
1. Drop gear box in service manual. or 2. Drop steering column.
Thanks in advance. glassman74
1. Drop gear box in service manual. or 2. Drop steering column.
Thanks in advance. glassman74
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,109
Likes: 4,170
From: Westminster Maryland
I think it's easier to loosen the steering box.
Sometimes you can slide the upper part up and the lower part down and not have to loosen anything. You need to spread the clamps open so they can move on the shafts further.
Regards,
Alan
Sometimes you can slide the upper part up and the lower part down and not have to loosen anything. You need to spread the clamps open so they can move on the shafts further.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
I performed this repair recently. I spread the clamps with a wide bladed screwdriver, removed the bolts holding the "rag" joint and removed it, slid the top clamp up, slid the bottom clamp up and removed it, then slid the top clamp down and removed it. Reverse the procedure to install the new joint. I never had to loosen the steering wheel or steering box.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Typically there should only be from 1 to 1.3 inches of clearance between the end of the steering column shaft and the gear input shaft. That is not sufficient distance to remove either flexible coupling part or the column flange. You should drop the column or release the gear from the frame to make your clearance.
One of the monthly Corvette magazines suggested prying on the shafts to make more clearance. That will cause the steering column shaft to collapse into the steering column. It may gain you clearance but it is typically a real b*tch to get it back out to its original length.
Jim
One of the monthly Corvette magazines suggested prying on the shafts to make more clearance. That will cause the steering column shaft to collapse into the steering column. It may gain you clearance but it is typically a real b*tch to get it back out to its original length.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
I dropped the steering column and pulled it back into the cabin to gain the necessary clearance. Sounds like a big job but it is really pretty easy to do. Soak everything with PB Blaster for a couple of days in advance if you can. It will help everything come apart easier.
