Permissible Upper Steering Shaft Play?
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lebanon Ohio
Permissible Upper Steering Shaft Play?
Does anyone know how much up/down/side to side play is considered allowable for a '69standard column steering shaft? I am trying to determine if the upper bearing needs to be replaced as it seems that is where the play is at. Do these bearings typically wear significantly to the point of replacement? I have read that these were not designed for bearing only replacement, but it can be done. Visually it looks ok, just a little sloppy. Maybe 1/8" or so slop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
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From: Pensacola FLA
Does anyone know how much up/down/side to side play is considered allowable for a '69standard column steering shaft? I am trying to determine if the upper bearing needs to be replaced as it seems that is where the play is at. Do these bearings typically wear significantly to the point of replacement? I have read that these were not designed for bearing only replacement, but it can be done. Visually it looks ok, just a little sloppy. Maybe 1/8" or so slop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Loose support screws are typically a T&T problem. The standard non-adjustable column head attaches to the steering column jacket with four self tapping screws. The jacket has pierced webs that the screws engage. Those screws typically don't loosen. (I have heard of the jacket actually fatiguing and failing where they attach.)
Hopefully your problem is in the upper bearing and not a fatigued jacket.
The upper bearing is part of the column bearing housing. It was pressed in place and then a thin die cast lip on the housing was spun over to retain the bearing. You can take a look at things by removing the steering wheel, hub, locking plate, and pulling the turn signal switch out of the column far enough to view the upper bearing.
You can find fairly complete instructions on disassembly and repair of the standard steering column by going to Terry Rudy's www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Std Strg Column 69-79 Section
Download the Std Strg Column 69-79 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, and #3
Download the Std Strg Column 69-79 D&R Pics #1 & #2
The Papers and Pics are available in word.doc and pdf format.
Good luck,
Jim
Hopefully your problem is in the upper bearing and not a fatigued jacket.
The upper bearing is part of the column bearing housing. It was pressed in place and then a thin die cast lip on the housing was spun over to retain the bearing. You can take a look at things by removing the steering wheel, hub, locking plate, and pulling the turn signal switch out of the column far enough to view the upper bearing.
You can find fairly complete instructions on disassembly and repair of the standard steering column by going to Terry Rudy's www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Std Strg Column 69-79 Section
Download the Std Strg Column 69-79 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, and #3
Download the Std Strg Column 69-79 D&R Pics #1 & #2
The Papers and Pics are available in word.doc and pdf format.
Good luck,
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Jun 16, 2009 at 04:35 PM.
