84 Steering column knock/clunk
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
84 Steering column knock/clunk
I'm at my wits end. For the longest time I was experiencing a clicking/knocking feel through the steering wheel when going over rough road or bumps. I replaced the steering rack and bought a refurbished steering column. If I grab the intermediate shaft and jiggle it I can see movement and feel tapping somewhere inside the steering column. Is this just a symptom of 84 steering columns? Did I get screwed over in purchasing the refurbished column?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 325
Likes: 8
From: Princeton Jct. New Jersey
Is the steering column length adjuster tight? Also the height adjuster rod detent might be a bit sloppy/worn or the return spring might be too tired to lock it in place. Don't know if that would cause any knocking, but there might be a little up/dn wobble in the column.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
If you are referring to the telescoping or tilt functions of the column, those seem to be fine. It feels like it is internal to the column which is annoying because this is the very reason I bought the "refurbished" column in the first place.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
I have an 84. I rebuilt the column this spring. Does it jiggle side to side down at the bottom in the engine compartment? There's two bearings, one at the bottom and one sort of even with the turn signal switch. There's a spring at the bottom below the bearing that pushes the column shaft towards the rack to keep it tight.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I have an 84. I rebuilt the column this spring. Does it jiggle side to side down at the bottom in the engine compartment? There's two bearings, one at the bottom and one sort of even with the turn signal switch. There's a spring at the bottom below the bearing that pushes the column shaft towards the rack to keep it tight.
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
Sorry it took me so long, been busy with 2 kids in new schools. The car is not at my house so I can't take a picture now. If I see the car this weekend I will. The orange plastic piece goes so the tapered end is against the bearing and the flat end against the spring from what I remember. That makes sense, too, that the tapered end provides a tight fit inside the bearing. I located my toothed grabbing washer up at the highest scratch marks on the column since that's where the factory put it.
