Steering Column Rebuild
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Steering Column Rebuild
Jim Shea,
I know you are the steering column expert so I have another question. I am questioning on how much to rebuild on my steering column. It rotates fine, has a bearing sound that reminds me of bearings without grease in them, but is free to turn. I can grab the place where the steering wheel mounts and move it up / down / left / right and there is a small amount of play. Is any of this a sign it needs rebuilt. It is a stock 77 tilt / tele column. I just know from my airplane business that sometime new parts don't change anything and some things have some play built in. Looking for your advice
I know you are the steering column expert so I have another question. I am questioning on how much to rebuild on my steering column. It rotates fine, has a bearing sound that reminds me of bearings without grease in them, but is free to turn. I can grab the place where the steering wheel mounts and move it up / down / left / right and there is a small amount of play. Is any of this a sign it needs rebuilt. It is a stock 77 tilt / tele column. I just know from my airplane business that sometime new parts don't change anything and some things have some play built in. Looking for your advice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here is a link to three papers that concern disassembly and repair of the Corvette T&T steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004
In paper #1 you will find a couple simple tests that you can perform with the column still in the car. They may direct you to the areas that need repair, replacing, lubrication, etc.
Here is a link to three sets of simple line drawings on the disassembly of the Corvette T&T steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1009
Typically, the lower steering column bearing is the one that sees the most dirt, fluids, and corrosion. I would suggest that you approach lubricating or replacing it.
There is mention of having to disassemble the steering column head in order to reach four screws that attach the head to the steering column mast jacket. If you need to disassemble the column to reach the screws you will also have direct access to the two upper column bearings. Again, you will be in a position to lubricate or replace them.
Just remember, additional help is only a computer click away.
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004
In paper #1 you will find a couple simple tests that you can perform with the column still in the car. They may direct you to the areas that need repair, replacing, lubrication, etc.
Here is a link to three sets of simple line drawings on the disassembly of the Corvette T&T steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1009
Typically, the lower steering column bearing is the one that sees the most dirt, fluids, and corrosion. I would suggest that you approach lubricating or replacing it.
There is mention of having to disassemble the steering column head in order to reach four screws that attach the head to the steering column mast jacket. If you need to disassemble the column to reach the screws you will also have direct access to the two upper column bearings. Again, you will be in a position to lubricate or replace them.
Just remember, additional help is only a computer click away.
Jim
