Steering intermediate shaft removal
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Steering intermediate shaft removal
I have a 1985 with a bad Steering intermediate shaft, I have the bolts out on the ends but there is not enough play to remove it. Guess I have to unbolt the rack???? do I have to remove the rack to get the intermediate shaft out???? Any help would be appreciated.
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
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From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
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Well Hello, moved you out of Introductions to actual forum pertaining to your question. You will only get Welcomes in Intros.. Good Luck
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 327
From: San Antonio Tx
No need to remove the rack. Remove the column side first. You may have to turn the shaft one direction or another, it's been a long time so I don't remember. You might have to tap it because it fits tight but with the bolt out it will slide off to the side. Then pull it back off the rack side.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I have both sides lose, and can slide the shaft up and down, however there is not enough room to get it off either the column or the rack. The issue I am having is the shaft spins in the fat section and I am wondering does this joint compress. This is why I want to get it out. I wonder how I will get it repaired as well.
I did try to pry between the rack and the joint and no luck.
I did try to pry between the rack and the joint and no luck.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 193
Likes: 8
From: West Islip NY
i replaced mine several years ago definitely didnt have to remove rack, I dont remember having any problems removing
it. I installed headers and a later model shaft was a bit thinner which cleared the headers better , just mentioning this to
you in case headers are on your wish list. I believe a took one from a 92 and up
it. I installed headers and a later model shaft was a bit thinner which cleared the headers better , just mentioning this to
you in case headers are on your wish list. I believe a took one from a 92 and up
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,677
I have both sides lose, and can slide the shaft up and down, however there is not enough room to get it off either the column or the rack. The issue I am having is the shaft spins in the fat section and I am wondering does this joint compress. This is why I want to get it out. I wonder how I will get it repaired as well.
I did try to pry between the rack and the joint and no luck.
I did try to pry between the rack and the joint and no luck.
Sliding it up and and down is not how you remove it.you must slide the connection point from the column off to the side opposite of the securing bolt.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I am apprehensive about taking anything apart inside the car. According to what I read, there are plastic pins in the collapsible shaft that are easily damage. Just a note about this whole process: I started trying to tighten up the steering buy taking the whole steering column apart in the car to get at the four bolts that came lose. That helped make the steering wheel solid, however I had to pull the car out of the garage on a 15 deg. day. That is when I noticed that the steering wheel moves without the tires moving. That is what lead me to this mess. At least I know for sure why it is happening. I may next try just to take the blots out of the rack to see if that will give me enough slack after this snow storm.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,677
My apologies, I forgot the 84 & 85 car had a different shaft, and yes, it does need to collapse. It is telescoping shaft from memory for accidents.
When I had my 85, I believe I tapped it with a hammer/screwdriver combo to get it to budge.
I eould suggest you follow along here and update with the later style.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-upgrade.html
When I had my 85, I believe I tapped it with a hammer/screwdriver combo to get it to budge.
I eould suggest you follow along here and update with the later style.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-upgrade.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,944
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
My shaft was so worn it fell out when I pulled the bolts... getting the new one in was a pain though. It was hot and I don't remember what all I did to get it in but next time I'll just pull the column I think. Definitely worth the upgrade to a later shaft.
Last edited by 84 4+3; Feb 1, 2021 at 08:43 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 53
Likes: 17
From: Colorado Springs
The pressed on washer that is holding the spring on the shaft, is your hold up. You need to work it down the shaft with a couple of screwdrivers. It will free up some when it gets to the flat spots.
It's the one (washer) in your picture with the teeth.
It's the one (washer) in your picture with the teeth.
Last edited by caverdan; Feb 1, 2021 at 09:15 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,414
Likes: 2,745
This isn't creating any restriction for the OP - OP ignore doing anything that has to do with removing/tweaking the 'internal toothed' retainer. Unless someone has already modified your early intermediate you should be able to collapse the slip portions. I believe some have actually drilled and pinned the intermediate in the car which would seriously hinder your efforts. Get yourself the latter '92+ intermediate with the rag closer to the rack and then do the rest. If yours has been drilled & pinned or other wise modified and won't collapse - a 'saws-all' is the problem solver. I've a friend whose 1st choice for nearly every chore is a 'saws-all'!!
'86 - '91 intermediates have the rag closer to center and if that's not an issue you could use it. They're likely less expensive and if the 'rag-joint' isn't deteriorated it's certainly an equal to the later.
Either of the choices should make for an easy install. The upper pinch bolt flange is a different fabrication.
Be sure to have the seller include the 'pinch bolts' - upper I believe is very different.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Feb 1, 2021 at 09:43 PM.
