67 telescopic column issue

[Mike E.]

When I loosen the chrome adjustment ring to lengthen the column, if I pull out on the steering wheel, only the wheel and center shaft pull out. I can grab the entire housing and pull it out, and then it extends properly. Obviously I am missing some kind of retainer, ring, or? Who can guide me on that? Thanks!

[Keith B.]

does the locking ring actually lock the column shaft.

[Mike E.]

Yes, it locks it either position (with center shaft only or whole column extended).

[Keith B.]

I recall having that problem on my dads 67 tele , but its been too many years since I tore apart to fix it I forget what I did.

[Richard M.]

Mike, A few photos of both cases of operation might help if you can do that.

The hub is attached to the telescoping sleeve/flange assembly. There are 3 screws holding the upper bearing housing and directional switch to the flange and hub.

Something seems that either loosened or possibly broke in there.

One thing I can think of..... The upper bearing may have popped out of the upper housing. If it did, I think the result could be what you're seeing. If the bearing did set itself free, you can reinstall it and peen over the edges of the housing to tighten it, or some have used epoxy to hold it in. Another method is to drill and tap the sides for a few small setscrews to hold it firmly in place.

Here are some photos of a late '67 tele column which may help. Also a diagram I made from the prints a while ago for someone else who had a different issue. Some of the notations may help.

After removing the steering wheel and directional switch.
PC230022.jpg


Upper bearing housing. 3 screws hold it to the flanged tube. The bearing is swedged into the housing. Check here first.
PC230001.jpg

Here it shows the tube in both end positions.
PC290007.jpg

PC290008.jpg

This is the bearing housing and bearing assembly. It is common for the outer race of the bearing to loosen up over time. If it's very worn, it could pop out.

Top view.
PC240014.jpg

Backside view.
PC240015.jpg


Here is the print diagram showing some of the internals.
TeleMod.jpg

There is a retainer clip on the upper shaft, EDIT....... After thinking about it more, that retainer clip on the shaft is used to seat the back of the bearing to the shaft at that position.

A few more photos which may help attached below.

Rich

[Mike E.]

Perhaps these two pics would help. Looks to me like I have an upper bearing that is separating and allowing the center shaft to extend without the outer tube.

[Richard M.]

Mike, Yes that's exactly what happened. The bearing freed itself from the housing.

If the bearing is still good you could clean it, along with the housing, then epoxy it back in, or as i mentioned drill and tap for set screws. If you do that use Loctite.

The upper bearing is reproduced.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-68-82/steering/tilt-telescopic-column/65-79-steering-column-bearing-65-66-tele-upper-562063?srsltid=AfmBOopTdqy6Y1qf98ZhK4goTqFO6dQ1beR sRaaWTkjgrYxG9i1vCDC5

The other option is purchase a NOS housing/bearing assembly. No one reproduces the housing/bearing assembly.

I thought I found one on Ebay but was mistaken

I believe the assembly part# is 5698362 but check to be certain.

Rich

[Mike M.]

Mike -
I had the same issue with the steering column from my '67. I couldn't find parts so I sent it offer to "Magic Mike" Denapole who did a fantastic job restoring the column. I haven't reinstalled the column yet but it works great while testing it on the bench.