64 steering shaft/hub

[Danny H.]

attached is a pic of the lower part of my steering shaft, is it normal to have the such indentation/notch above the threads (or left of bearing in the pic)? If not, any ideas on what could caused it?

Also, how to remove the hub from the shaft? Is there a trick or just need a good old puller?

Thanks,
Danny

[Wayne M.]

Re: 64 steering shaft/hub

.... is it normal to have the such indentation/notch above the threads (or left of bearing in the pic)? If not, any ideas on what could caused it? ...

Danny --- welcome to the club. almost as bad as mine, back in the early '80s. Previous owners' neglect of failed lower bearing, causing the bearing seat to cut into the shaft. Can be dangerous, as could shear right off if steering held tightly when you hit a large hole.

NOS GM shaft shown on left.

[John H.]

Re: 64 steering shaft/hub

attached is a pic of the lower part of my steering shaft, is it normal to have the such indentation/notch above the threads (or left of bearing in the pic)? If not, any ideas on what could caused it?

Also, how to remove the hub from the shaft? Is there a trick or just need a good old puller?

Thanks,
Danny

Danny -

Time to replace that shaft - the lower bearing failed many years ago, and the bearing race has cut that groove in the shaft. The hub will come right off with a steering wheel puller; about ten bucks at your auto parts store, or they may rent you one.

[Thomas P.]

Re: 64 steering shaft/hub

....any ideas on what could caused it?

I don't know it caused your problem, but that is what happens if you have the outer tie rods in the "fast steering" position without having power steering -- the excess steering effort destroys the lower bearing and cuts the shaft.

[Danny H.]

Re: 64 steering shaft/hub

I don't know it caused your problem, but that is what happens if you have the outer tie rods in the "fast steering" position without having power steering -- the excess steering effort destroys the lower bearing and cuts the shaft.

Thanks guys.

I don't have p/s, but I did notice the tie rods are mounted on the "fast steering" position (inner holes). Looks like bobba and all his buddies have been working on my vette, there are many 1-offs in my setup.

In a way, I am glad that I am doing a frame off in my 2-car garage, but there are times I am asking myself "are you insane? you don't even have a puller!!" Well, too late now...

-Danny