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Steering Issues . . . Where to Start?

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Old Jan 24, 2011 | 11:58 PM
  #1  
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Default Steering Issues . . . Where to Start?

Got the intake, heads, & exhaust off the 76 and noticed loose parts and what appears to be bent parts in the steering. Have not gotten into the steering before, but wouldn't mind a new challenge. Looking for a bit of advice, where should I start with project . . . what appears to be broken/loose in this picture? Hints, tips, advice is greatly appreciated!
Mike
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 12:26 AM
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I would say you need to rebuild the steering column and replace the rag joint for starters. I don't think the car should be driven until those 2 items are addressed.
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 12:51 AM
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Default Expert advice!

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com is where you can find all of Jim Shea's papers.
I've never taken a column apart so if you do post lots of pictures so we can follow along.
Pete.
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 01:02 AM
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Your ***** have dropped out.
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 01:07 AM
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Originally Posted by noonie
Your ***** have dropped out.
Ummmm, explanation?
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 01:13 AM
  #6  
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Lower bearing, but at this hour that was funny.
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 01:14 AM
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You only have the remnants of the inner and outer lower ball bearing left at the end of the open tube.
Most likely, you will have to cut the inner race off with a cut wheel, rusted on shaft. Your big collar retaining spring clip is missing too.
Pull the column, good winter project.
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 01:17 AM
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Originally Posted by noonie
You only have the remnants of the inner and outer lower ball bearing left at the end of the open tube.
Most likely, you will have to cut the inner race off with a cut wheel, rusted on shaft. Your big collar retaining spring clip is missing too.
Pull the column, good winter project.
Good info, thanks for the help! I'll have to look into this more. Seems like the time to do it, especially since the heads and exhaust manifold are off. Plus, it's an Alaska car, so I have plenty of time! Thanks again for the help!
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 06:58 AM
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Your lower bearing has disintegrated along with its attaching parts.

Which type steering column do you have, T&T steering column or standard (non-adjustable)? The lower end is slightly different between the two. Let me know which one and I can post a number of papers (Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, and #3) and pics that will be of help.

If you have a T&T column there are a number of quick tests that you can conduct while the steering column is still in the car. They will give you clues as to whether or not the upper end needs refurbishing while you are at it. The tests are outlined in Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 for the T&T column.

I suggest that you purchase an OEM type flexible coupling and not one of the rebuild kits. The OEM type coupling will be around $80 the off-shore types will be in the $40 range. But I feel that the OEM is worth the extra cost.
Jim
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 08:04 AM
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Some pics
Regards,
Nick
How yours looks :

Most of these parts look lost

How it should look
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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Thanks Dembo . . . this helps tremendously. I'm a visual type person, so it's nice to see the"goal."
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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Jim, thanks for the help. I have a T&T steering column. I'd sincerely appreciate the papers on disassembly and repair before I tear into it. Yeah, I agree OEM is usually worth the few extra $.

Originally Posted by Jim Shea
Your lower bearing has disintegrated along with its attaching parts.

Which type steering column do you have, T&T steering column or standard (non-adjustable)? The lower end is slightly different between the two. Let me know which one and I can post a number of papers (Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, and #3) and pics that will be of help.

If you have a T&T column there are a number of quick tests that you can conduct while the steering column is still in the car. They will give you clues as to whether or not the upper end needs refurbishing while you are at it. The tests are outlined in Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 for the T&T column.

I suggest that you purchase an OEM type flexible coupling and not one of the rebuild kits. The OEM type coupling will be around $80 the off-shore types will be in the $40 range. But I feel that the OEM is worth the extra cost.
Jim
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 08:39 PM
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Here are links to all three Tilt & Telescoping Strg Column Disassembly and Repair Papers and three Pics. If all you want to do is replace the lower bearing, then you probably only need papers #1 and #2.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev13my2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev09ja2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...3rev26de09.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev26de2009.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21mr2009.pdf

Good luck,
Jim
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Old Jan 25, 2011 | 11:33 PM
  #14  
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Default Thanks!

Jim and all . . . thanks a million for helping a rookie! I'm sure I'll learn a lot on this venture, but your knowledge and expertise has saved me a lot of time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears! I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks a million!

Originally Posted by Jim Shea
Here are links to all three Tilt & Telescoping Strg Column Disassembly and Repair Papers and three Pics. If all you want to do is replace the lower bearing, then you probably only need papers #1 and #2.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev13my2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev09ja2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...3rev26de09.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev26de2009.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21mr2009.pdf

Good luck,
Jim
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