Loose steering column

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Mar 20, 2012 | 12:28 AM

69 F100 Cali

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Joined: Jul 2011

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From: Anacortes

Loose steering column

I took my steering wheel off the other day in hopes of repairing the horn and blinker switch. After putting the new horn brush assembly in I noticed that it doesn't touch the contact ring on the back of the steering wheel. The thing is that the steering wheel is on tight all the way on the threads with no room to be screwed in more, but to make contact the steering wheel needs to be pushed in so that the the steering shaft "compresses" down the column and I don't think there should be any play?
Let me know please I think I've heard someone say that they put some little copper things in the horn assembly to bring it out a little.

Mar 21, 2012 | 07:18 PM

mailmandon

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Joined: Aug 2006

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It might be possible for you to loosen the outside column shaft at the dash and at the steering box and shove the whole outer shaft up toward the wheel enough to take up the space.Perhaps someone in the past replaced the rag joint or some other repair and the steering column slid down just enough to keep the horn from working.

Mar 22, 2012 | 12:25 AM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

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From: NorCal

In the engine compartment, look down at where the steering column protrudes from the firewall. It will have a clamp with a 1/2 or 9/16 nut and bolt. Loosen it and then loosen the bolts holding the column to the dash. Now either push down on the steering wheel to bring it closer to the column housing or pull the column closer to the steering wheel. What you are changing is the steering shaft's position relative to the column. Aim for about 1/8-inch.

Remember to go back and tighten the nut and bolt on the clamp.

.....I had to do this when replacing the steering wheel in my 70.