67 steering column bearing

[Al R.]

Trying to finish rebuilding my 67 standard steering column today and cannot remember the correct orientation of the split washer on the back side of the lower bearing. Lost my notes from last weekend. I read over Jim Shea's rebuild column, but I'm still confused. Does the small side of the split washer insert into the spring or into the back of the bearing? Any help greatly appreciated!! Al

[Scott M.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

I placed the flat side against the bearing and the tapered small side into the spring.Assembly sequence.jpg

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

According to my 67 and 68 standard steering column assembly drawings there is a plain washer 7802124 where you show the part with a split. There should be a spring seat 262474 (I believe it is the part with a split in your picture). However, it should be located between the bearing and the spring on the right side of the picture. Also, the steering shaft should have a spring seat (I call it a collar on my steering column blowup) that is spot welded to the steering shaft. (I assume that it is out of the picture on the far right.) The spring seat on the 1967 steering shaft should be located 8.7 inches from the end of the shaft. The spring seat on the 1968 steering shaft should be located 6.5 inches from the end of the steering shaft.

[Bill H.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

Jim, Do you have a blow-up like that for the early 67 columns? And is the spring seat spot welded on the early colum? Thanks.

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

This is the best I can do as far as drawings.

My one 1967 early steering column assembly drawing is of poor quality but I can make out the following parts starting from the steering gear end of the column:
round wire retaining ring 7800214
thrust washer 7800540
2 piece plastic adjuster assembly 7801180
spring 7801197 (located on the ID of the plastic adjuster and pressing on the face of the bearing)
bearing 5698402
sponge seal 7800511 (located inside the column about 1/4 inch behind the bearing)

There is no spring or spring seat inside the steering column.
Jim

[Bill H.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

Thanks, Jim.
Sorry to highjack your post Al.

[Scott M.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

Thanks JIm, I'll get that changed around.

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 steering column bearing

I have three 1967 standard steering column assembly drawings:
5698346 (drwg date 9-12-66) Early standard column with round wire retained lower bearing.
7802101 (drwg date 10-4-66) First revised standard column with clamp retained lower bearing.
7803156 (drwg date 2-2-67) Late revised standard column with clamp retained lower bearing.

Both the 7802101 and 7803156 columns have what appears to be a spot welded spring seat (or collar) on the steering shaft.

Jim