C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Help Needed - Steering Shaft

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 7, 2024 | 04:56 PM
  #1  
ajsegal1's Avatar
ajsegal1
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Default Help Needed - Steering Shaft

Hi All,

I'm finishing up my harmonic balancer job I am unable to get the steering shaft onto the rack and pinion. The steering shaft collar will not fit around the input shaft of the rack in pinion. To me it seems like it is too small. I've made sure its lined up to the flat spot, lubed it, even tried to hammer it on. Also, when taking the steering rack out the first time, I had to really wrestle to get the steering shaft off the rack.

I've been wrestling with this for 2 days and I'm on the verge of defeat (aka having it towed to a shop). Any recommendation on how to get this thing on?
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2024 | 06:43 PM
  #2  
Dads2kconvertible's Avatar
Dads2kconvertible
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
Default

What car are you working on?
Have you looked in the service manual to see what the GM procedure is?
Attached Images
File Type: pdf
Steering Columns.pdf (2.71 MB, 116 views)
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2024 | 07:50 PM
  #3  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
Default

Your pic shows the coupler IS NOT lined up properly! It is about 90° off. When it is lined up as it should be, you CAN NOT SEE the flat spot. It will never go when positioned as shown......
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2024 | 09:34 PM
  #4  
ajsegal1's Avatar
ajsegal1
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Default

So it ended up being the steering shaft was bent and would not go back on the rack and pinion. Blow torch, two pry bars and she’s back on the road 🤘
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2024 | 10:25 AM
  #5  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
Default

How on earth did the steering shaft get bent???
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2024 | 10:29 AM
  #6  
ajsegal1's Avatar
ajsegal1
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Default

Originally Posted by grinder11
How on earth did the steering shaft get bent???
more specifically the coupler on the steering shaft that goes into the rack and pinion. I’m assuming the previous owner used an impact on the bolt which closed the opening a bit.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2024 | 09:25 AM
  #7  
ThomasR's Avatar
ThomasR
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 699
From: Clark, NJ
Default

The steering shaft is supposed to slide down and on the rack (from the top) , not over the side as you have pictured.

It sounds like you have it sorted out now.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Help Needed - Steering Shaft





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:40 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE