STEERING COLUMN/WHEEL SHAKES!
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 46
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From: Little Rock Arkansas
STEERING COLUMN/WHEEL SHAKES!
Its driving me crazy. I hit a series of sharp bumps and the steering wheel shakes from left to right or up and down about 1/2 inch or slightly more. When I'm parked the steering wheel seems to be somewhat firm for a 68. do I need to rebuild my column? Any parts ideas that might be the cause? My steering box is new, and power cylinder is also new. I imagine there are bearings in there (haven't looked yet), and are they replaceable still by GM. Thanks for any help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: STEERING COLUMN/WHEEL SHAKES! (rparkervette)
The 1968 Corvette had the first generation energy absorbing steering column. It has a welded bracket on the column that attaches under the dash with three bolt and nut attachments. The first generation column was notoriously weak in bending. That is why there are three attaching points (two on the passenger side, one on the driver side) they form a triangle that attempts to stabilize the column in the car. Make sure that the attachments are tight.
Also there is another welded bracket down at the lower end of the steering column. There are several screws that attach it to the floor pan. Again, make sure that they are secure.
This type steering column is unique to the Corvette for 1967 and 1968. There was a standard (non-adjustable) and a telescoping column. So this was a two year low production column. Parts are quite difficult to find.
If your problem is not solved by tightening the attachments, you might try http://www.columnsgalore.com this company is in New York.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 6:37 AM 10/22/2003]
Also there is another welded bracket down at the lower end of the steering column. There are several screws that attach it to the floor pan. Again, make sure that they are secure.
This type steering column is unique to the Corvette for 1967 and 1968. There was a standard (non-adjustable) and a telescoping column. So this was a two year low production column. Parts are quite difficult to find.
If your problem is not solved by tightening the attachments, you might try http://www.columnsgalore.com this company is in New York.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 6:37 AM 10/22/2003]
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 99
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From: Minot ND
Re: STEERING COLUMN/WHEEL SHAKES! (rparkervette)
Get the front end off the ground and start shaking it! Use your muscle or grab a pry bar. I feel you may have alot of little problems creating the big problem. Good Luck..........and figure it out in your garage and not on the road again.
