I need info on rebuilding the steering column on my 64. Standard steering straight column. I'm headed to Carlisle next week and would like to pick up the correct parts I need to rebuild it.
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Re: Steering column
Steve----
The best info on rebuilding the steering column will be found in your factory service manual. That's just about the only thing available, too.
Virtually all, if not all, of the internal parts for your steering column are GM-discontinued. However, Dr. Rebuild carries many of the internal parts for the mid-year steering columns and, likely, all the ones that you'll need. So, why go scrounging around Carlisle to find a piece here-and-there that may be hard for you to identify as applicable to your column?In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Steering column
Steve:
The only parts that are subject to wear are the upper and lower bearings. The upper bearing is integral with the wire harness/directional assembly, and should be replaced. The lower bearing-and-race is a one piece unit (for non tele columns)which is pressed into the bottom of the housing. Long Island Corvette Supply has an excellent catalog with exploded views.
If you're going to Carlisle, then go see Geoffrey (Dr. Rebuild) and ask him for the above parts.
JoeComment
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Re: Steering column
Lectric Limited has the best price that I have found on the turn signal switch. They were about half the price of the other vendors I checked, although I did not check Dr. Rebuild. Quality was good as well.Comment
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Re: Steering column
Okay, Just to be sure I understand this.
The turn signals work fine right now but the steering wheel is very sloppy. I assumed the upper bearing was the problem. If I understand what is being explained here the turn signal switch and the upper bearing are one unit? If I purchase the turn signal switch assembly it will have the bearing with it? I tried to grab the lower shaft at the rag joint and cannot detect any excess movement so I want to say the lower bearing should be okay. I may just pull it and replace the bearing to be sure and have a completely rebuilt column. Will I need to take this to my local machine shop to press in the bearing or is it like a wheel bearing on a front hub that I can use a brass drift or tap in with a socket?
I see the first thing I need to buy at Carlisle is the correct Shop Manual for my car. Someone mentioned that NCRS will have a booth set up at Carlisle. It would be nice to meet some of the great folks that answered so many of my questions here. I'm not a member of a chapter but live near Saratoga Springs NY and hope to meet some members from the Adirondack chapter there.Comment
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Re: Steering column
Steve, for an exploded view go to:
http://www.licorvette.com
Click on the catalog link, then click on section 18. You will see a layout of the column for 64-66.
Harry
38513Comment
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Re: Steering column
The turn signal switch does come with the bearing already installed.
Are you certain that the column is the real issue? Sloppy steering wheel sounds more like a steering box.Comment
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Re: Steering column
The car steers tight but the steering wheel can be moved up and down way too freely. The rag joint looks good and I cannot move the shaft at the lower end.Comment
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Re: Steering column
There was/is an on-line technical resource for steering columns posted by a retired Saginaw employee. It is extremely concise and very helpful.
I just did a quick Google search, and couldn't find it. I must have been searching on wrong topics: "Saginaw Corvette steering." Maybe someone has saved it, and can post it.TerryComment
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Re: Steering column info
Steve,
Here is the link to the steering data. Good luck.
Saginaw steering informationTerryComment
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Saratoga- I'm in Ballston Spa !!
Steve have you tried Marcels Corvette Shop.I have a 1970 454 are you going to the Adirondack Chapter meet at Longwell Chevrolet on Sept.10-12 i was but that is the same weekend as the Lake George Nationals. DonComment
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Re: Saratoga- I'm in Ballston Spa !!
Don, I'm actually in Ballston Spa myself but more people know where Saratoga is.
I actually planned on going to Lake george that weekend if I get the car registered by then. Why would they have their meet on the same weekend as Lake George anyway?Comment
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Re: Steering column
Steve:
The lower bearing is not a very tight fit. It can be tapped out by using the steering shaft as a drift. It should pop right out. It costs about $20, so while you're in there you ought to replace it, whether is seems bad or not. Probably the most important thing, is to set the end play properly by adjusting the clamp that loads the spring below the lower bearing. Set it to .010", and, never mind what the shop manual says, set it up BEFORE you install the column in the car.
JoeComment
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Re: Steering column
Steve,
I noticed quite a bit of movement with the steering wheel of my 1964 as well. I assume you are referring to movement of the steering wheel itself within the turn signal housing portion of the column. In my case, a simple adjustment cured the problem. Turned out that steering shaft was not fully seated in the column. Try loosening the upper and lower "clamps" (sorry if I am not using the correct terminology here) and pushing the steering wheel/shaft forward as far as it will go. In my case, everything tightened up nicely--like a new car now.
Good Luck!Comment
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Re: Steering column
Steve
I have the same "up and down" movement as you mentioned. I have to replace the steering tube. There are four "ears" at the top of the tube, two were broken off. I bought a replacement tube from Corvette Central but havent installed it yet. good luck
Mike D#1787Comment
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