Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
I have read quite a number of Archived posts on the subject of orientation of the flanges. It basically has been put to bed, the fact that the upper flange facing the firewall is riveted to the rag and the lower flange is bolted with the nuts facing the gear on 63-64 model. There is also discussion on how the TJG would correct the previous opposite statement when revised. I noticed the new 5th Ed. still states the same as before. Judges- how are you scoring this part? I know I will be putting it back the same way it came off as shown in attached picture. Thanks for replys.
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Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
The way you show it in your photo is correct. -
Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
I believe your picture is Saginaw Steering Gear Flange Assembly 5690809. I have it listed for the 1965-66 C2 with standard steering column. But it was released for production on 12-21-61 so it certainly could have been used on the 1963-1964 Vettes as well.
BTW, do you mind if I use your picture in a paper that I am authoring on C2/C3 flex couplings?
Jim SheaComment
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Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
The configuration/installation in your picture is typical. All the factory photos that I have show the coupler installed in this direction.
You might want to move the rear flange back a bit. The rubber disk should be close to flat instead of forced into the position that it's in now.
Don't forget to align the split in the coupler with the hash mark on the end of the steering gear shaft.Comment
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Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
Michael,
I see what you mean; but does that imply that it was over-torqued? The space between back flange and the washer plate was 1/4", and backing off the nut a little would spread it to about 3/8" as defined in the AIM View "B". If I recall, the tourqe is around 30# per AIM. Also the steering gear shaft has a well defined hash mark. I verified this with a bright light and mirror prior to disassembly. Will the judges see it our way? Maybe I should carry a copy of this thread and some of your old plant pictures since the TJG says the opposite? And what's with the statement that the two flanges are bolted together with "two 12 point hex bolts"? Those are only used on the clamping portion of the flanges.Comment
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Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
Jim,
The upper/rear flange is too far forward on the upper steering column shaft. If you loosen the 12 point pinch bolt on that flange, you should be able to slide the upper half of the coupler back up the steering gear shaft to allow the rubber disk to once again be flat.
Often times, the flange is slightly rusted to the shaft and you may have to work at it a bit to get it to move.
In it's current position, there is load in the disk in two directions instead of just the single direction that it was designed to have and that will eventually cause failure of the disk.
If the flange is free on the shaft once the pinch bolt is loosened, the upper coupler should automatically spring back to it's correct non loaded position.
Torquing the pinch bolt should have no effect on the position of the flange. It can at times try to move the flange down/forward as the bolt is tightened if the side of the bolt is riding on the steering gear shaft.
Remove the pinch bolt completely and make sure that the steering column shaft is properly indexed in the coupler flange. It's sometimes possible to install the flange one tooth off center and that will cause the exact problem that you describe.
Sounds like you have the lower flange clocked correctly if you aligned the split in the coupler with the hash mark on the end of the steering gear shaft. Lot of folks don't know about that critical alignment.
I've posted several pic's of the typical coupler installation direction over the years. I can post a few again if you can't find them in the archives.
I don't remember if the 5th edition has been corrected on this or not. I do remember that it was incorrect in the 3rd edition.
If the JG states that the two flanges are bolted together with two 12 point bolts, that should be corrected also.
*****Just found a pic that clearly shows the installation direction on at least this steering gear. This is a new chassis going down the assy line at the St Louis assembly plant. I zoomed in/cropped the pic to show the coupler.
Many other VERY interesting things in that pic too !! Notica there are NO paint ID marks visible on the gear? Note that the gear AND coupler are somewhat blacked out?
Last edited by Michael H.; February 3, 2009, 01:54 PM.Comment
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Re: Steering Coupler C2 Revisited
Mike, thanks for the very descriptive analysis. Yes, I found many pictures/opinions in the archives. And the 5th Ed. JG states the same as the 3rd which was surprising. Is this still a contrversial issue?Comment
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