Do i have a collapsed column?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Do i have a collapsed column?
Reinstalling the column on my '74, i have over 1" gap at the rag joint - service manual says 3/8" max. Manuals say the column is a shock absorbing with a shear pin inside the mast jacket. The shaft is a little loose but nothing scary loose. I guess i have to bang it a little to listen for rattles.
Do i need to completely remove the column (again) and disassemble to examin the pin at the inner coupling?
Help,
cardo0
Do i need to completely remove the column (again) and disassemble to examin the pin at the inner coupling?
Help,
cardo0
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
I tried that.
I used a channel locks pliers and it moved very little then spings back.
From the service manual it has a plastic pin somewhere that becomes sheared or possible some ball bearings become wedged into a plastic sleeve that requires replacement. Anyone replaced this pin or sleeve?
cardo0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
You didn't mention if you had a standard (non-adjustable) or a T&T column.
The 1974 standard steering column should have 4.5 inches of bare steering shaft sticking out from the lower column gearing.
The 1974 T&T column should have 4.7 inches of steering shaft sticking out.
For some reason the collapsible steering shaft can be compressed into the steering column fairly easily. However, it doesn't come back out nearly as easily. Try not to hammer on the shaft to move it back out. That is very hard on the upper and lower column bearings. Just use steady pressure to move it back out.
The original steering shaft does have plastic injected to hold the steering shaft to the correct length. There is a large overlap between the solid upper shaft and the hollow lower steering shaft. So there is no danger of losing your steering. For the most part you will never notice that the plastic pins have been sheared.
Jim
The 1974 standard steering column should have 4.5 inches of bare steering shaft sticking out from the lower column gearing.
The 1974 T&T column should have 4.7 inches of steering shaft sticking out.
For some reason the collapsible steering shaft can be compressed into the steering column fairly easily. However, it doesn't come back out nearly as easily. Try not to hammer on the shaft to move it back out. That is very hard on the upper and lower column bearings. Just use steady pressure to move it back out.
The original steering shaft does have plastic injected to hold the steering shaft to the correct length. There is a large overlap between the solid upper shaft and the hollow lower steering shaft. So there is no danger of losing your steering. For the most part you will never notice that the plastic pins have been sheared.
Jim
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Mine has a T&T column.
Thx for the reply Jim, i hoped u would tune in. When u say steady pressure to move it out do u mean just by strong arm, no tools? Should i take it out of the car again? Use a vise? Its already mated to the rag joint but no torque.
The GM shop manual i have does say that its safe to drive with it compressed as the colapse is just to absorb some crash energy. I would like more engagement though.
Another question for u is the shop manual says to make the final column adjustment with the wheels on the ground. Currently on jack stands and wheels are off. And no way can i get the manuals 0.3" clearance between column and instrument pad. All the column brackets are loose and the column is still in contact with instrument pad.
cardo0
The GM shop manual i have does say that its safe to drive with it compressed as the colapse is just to absorb some crash energy. I would like more engagement though.
Another question for u is the shop manual says to make the final column adjustment with the wheels on the ground. Currently on jack stands and wheels are off. And no way can i get the manuals 0.3" clearance between column and instrument pad. All the column brackets are loose and the column is still in contact with instrument pad.
cardo0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
The following is a scan of the Steering Column Installation Instructions.
I believe that Support (C) can be adjusted on Bracket (A) such that it will control the upper end of the steering column and the clearance to the instrument cluster.
I don't believe that you have to pull the column in order to draw the steering shaft back out of the column jacket. One person actually indicated that he attached a come-along to the steering shaft and was able to pull the shaft out that way. Others have reattached the steering column flange and used it as a point to pry on the shaft and move it out.
You will still want to particularly recheck the attachment of the lower end of the column to the dash when you set the Vette back on its wheels.
Jim
I believe that Support (C) can be adjusted on Bracket (A) such that it will control the upper end of the steering column and the clearance to the instrument cluster.
I don't believe that you have to pull the column in order to draw the steering shaft back out of the column jacket. One person actually indicated that he attached a come-along to the steering shaft and was able to pull the shaft out that way. Others have reattached the steering column flange and used it as a point to pry on the shaft and move it out.
You will still want to particularly recheck the attachment of the lower end of the column to the dash when you set the Vette back on its wheels.
Jim
