Steering Column Removal - Help Needed!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville OH
Steering Column Removal - Help Needed!
I am trying to remove the Steering Column as part of my 71 restoration. I have detached everything but cannot figure out how to detach what looks like a bearing that is just above the rag joint and has a spring attached between it and the firewall. This bearing is below the master cylinder and is also very hard to access.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue WA
Re: Steering Column Removal - Help Needed! (warbonnetvette)
I think the bearing you are talking about is part of the column. If it is where the approx. 1" steel shaft goes into the housing, it all comes out as part of the whole unit. There is a plate right up against the firewall that has a carraige bolt and a stud going through to the passenger compartment. (This also has the clutch linkage return spring attached to it on a 4-speed.) You need to remove the nuts on the inside and then remove that plate. If you have taken your rag joint apart or loosened the coupling clamp, you should then be able to pull the whole shebang out into the drivers seat. Good luck.
By the way, it would be a good idea to search the forum for steering column info and go the the papers Jim Shea has written on this stuff. He's the real guru and they are mucho helpful.
By the way, it would be a good idea to search the forum for steering column info and go the the papers Jim Shea has written on this stuff. He's the real guru and they are mucho helpful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Steering Column Removal - Help Needed! (warbonnetvette)
Here is the links to dropping the steering column. It doesn't matter if you have a standard (non-adjustable) column or the T&T.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=612
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=606
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=612
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=606
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville OH
Re: Steering Column Removal - Help Needed! (Jim Shea)
Jim,
I really appreciate your help.
I looked at the links but am still confused as it appears to be the clutch linkage bracket (I have a 4 speed) that won't allow me -
#1 to pull the plate which is against the firewall (on the engine side) out towards the engine compartment far enough to remove the plate. (I have removed the 2 bolts inside the car on the inside plate.
#2 Even with this plate removed will the hole in the firewall be big enough to allow this bracket to fit through the steering column hole in the firewall or does this bracket need to be somehow removed??
I have attached a photo taken from underneath the car.
As detailed ditections as you can provide me are appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jay
I really appreciate your help.
I looked at the links but am still confused as it appears to be the clutch linkage bracket (I have a 4 speed) that won't allow me -
#1 to pull the plate which is against the firewall (on the engine side) out towards the engine compartment far enough to remove the plate. (I have removed the 2 bolts inside the car on the inside plate.
#2 Even with this plate removed will the hole in the firewall be big enough to allow this bracket to fit through the steering column hole in the firewall or does this bracket need to be somehow removed??
I have attached a photo taken from underneath the car.
As detailed ditections as you can provide me are appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jay
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,218
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
Re: Steering Column Removal - Help Needed! (warbonnetvette)
#1 to pull the plate which is against the firewall (on the engine side) out towards the engine compartment far enough to remove the plate. (I have removed the 2 bolts inside the car on the inside plate.
#2 Even with this plate removed will the hole in the firewall be big enough to allow this bracket to fit through the steering column hole in the firewall or does this bracket need to be somehow removed??
here is the plate when removed
once the plate is removed ther is a large "pear" shaped hole in the firewall/footwell to allow the sterring colum AND the Ignition Key Lockout arm ( i think that is what its called) to be removed.
here is a tech paper on a Hydrobooster install. there is several steps listed on how to remove the steering colum. https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=190&TopicID=3
hope this helps
and BTW
welcome to the forum
cheers
chad
[Modified by 71'AirStrike, 8:46 AM 3/23/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Steering Column Removal - Help Needed! (warbonnetvette)
Jay,
Look closely at the Steering Column Installation Diagram http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=606
First detach the transmission backdrive cable #2 from the lever on the lower end of the steering column. You do this by removing the cotter pin #5 and the washer #6. You can leave the cable attached to the mounting plate (M). Then remove the two nuts (R) that hold the steering column to the firewall. You should be able to pull the cable mounting plate back from the firewall. This will uncover the hole in the firewall where the steering column comes through. You will note that the hole has an oblong shape (you can see part of the shape right next to washer (P)). The lower steering column lever will slide right through that area of the hole.
A couple other hints. Detach your clutch pedal push rod from the Z-bar. This will allow the Z-bar to rotate toward the mounting plate, releasing the tension on the heavy clutch pedal return spring. Do this before you detach to two nuts inside the car.
Good luck,
Jim
Look closely at the Steering Column Installation Diagram http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=606
First detach the transmission backdrive cable #2 from the lever on the lower end of the steering column. You do this by removing the cotter pin #5 and the washer #6. You can leave the cable attached to the mounting plate (M). Then remove the two nuts (R) that hold the steering column to the firewall. You should be able to pull the cable mounting plate back from the firewall. This will uncover the hole in the firewall where the steering column comes through. You will note that the hole has an oblong shape (you can see part of the shape right next to washer (P)). The lower steering column lever will slide right through that area of the hole.
A couple other hints. Detach your clutch pedal push rod from the Z-bar. This will allow the Z-bar to rotate toward the mounting plate, releasing the tension on the heavy clutch pedal return spring. Do this before you detach to two nuts inside the car.
Good luck,
Jim
