Steering Column and Coupling
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Steering Column and Coupling
Gents,
In other threads, I have read about issues with pushing the column into itself and it being difficult to get it back out. My 78 appears to have this problem. I have not had the car long, but noticed the rag gear in shambles so attempted to replace only to find that the flanges are too far apart to allow for it to work properly. I rigged a couple long bolts with nylon spacers on them to bridge the gap as a short term solution. I am most interested in hearing the process of pulling the column back out as it appears someone has previously pushed it in. I was not able to find this process in the assembly manual or service manual that I have.
Help appreciated.
In other threads, I have read about issues with pushing the column into itself and it being difficult to get it back out. My 78 appears to have this problem. I have not had the car long, but noticed the rag gear in shambles so attempted to replace only to find that the flanges are too far apart to allow for it to work properly. I rigged a couple long bolts with nylon spacers on them to bridge the gap as a short term solution. I am most interested in hearing the process of pulling the column back out as it appears someone has previously pushed it in. I was not able to find this process in the assembly manual or service manual that I have.
Help appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
I had this problem on my 76. I installed the rag joint on the steering shaft and tightened the bolt. I put a bearing puller on the shaft below the rag joint. Then I used a wood clamp on the bearing puller. Hooked the opposite end on the steering box and tightened the clamp.
I have a picture of this - will post soon.
Here you go - Here is the clamp on the puller
Here is the clamp on the steering box
John
I have a picture of this - will post soon.
Here you go - Here is the clamp on the puller
Here is the clamp on the steering box
John
Last edited by Go Vette Go; Sep 6, 2012 at 06:44 PM. Reason: Added pictures
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
John,
Thanks. Looks like a usual job of just forcing it out. I thought about trying that, but thought I would consult an expert before making it worse. From the looks of yours, it appears to be about the same distance away as mine.
Appreciate the info. I will give it a go.
Thanks. Looks like a usual job of just forcing it out. I thought about trying that, but thought I would consult an expert before making it worse. From the looks of yours, it appears to be about the same distance away as mine.
Appreciate the info. I will give it a go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
John,
Thanks. Looks like a usual job of just forcing it out. I thought about trying that, but thought I would consult an expert before making it worse. From the looks of yours, it appears to be about the same distance away as mine.
Appreciate the info. I will give it a go.
Thanks. Looks like a usual job of just forcing it out. I thought about trying that, but thought I would consult an expert before making it worse. From the looks of yours, it appears to be about the same distance away as mine.
Appreciate the info. I will give it a go.
I did this several years ago after getting my very loose steering box rebuilt by Gary Ramadei. I have many miles on the car and no issues.
Good luck.
John
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thanks Again John,
I think my gear is fine, although I will check it once I get it apart. I did notice that the shaft on the gear of my car is longer than yours but should not matter for this job. How much play in the gear shaft is too much?
In regards to the other comment, I was in kind of a hurry to get it together as I was going to the Dream Cruise a couple weeks ago and needed a fix. Dont think I would race on the rig, but it fit the bill for the drive from CLE to Detroit. My first Cruise...It was something to behold.
I think my gear is fine, although I will check it once I get it apart. I did notice that the shaft on the gear of my car is longer than yours but should not matter for this job. How much play in the gear shaft is too much?
In regards to the other comment, I was in kind of a hurry to get it together as I was going to the Dream Cruise a couple weeks ago and needed a fix. Dont think I would race on the rig, but it fit the bill for the drive from CLE to Detroit. My first Cruise...It was something to behold.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
FYI - the pictures are the BEFORE with the inner steering shaft shoved into the outer shaft.
The OP asked how to pull the inner shaft out. The pictures show the OP the process I used to extend the inner shaft into the correct position.
Hope that clarifies it for you!
The OP asked how to pull the inner shaft out. The pictures show the OP the process I used to extend the inner shaft into the correct position.
Hope that clarifies it for you!