Help! Steering Column Bolt
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Help! Steering Column Bolt
I am working on a '76 column installed in my F100. I had to take the wheel and top parts of the steering column off to fix a gear indicator. I was trying to put the two flange bolts back when I dropped one and it fell into the column tube (not sure what you call it). I can't see it and tried a magnet but it is so tight between the tube and the shift tube that I can't see how I am going to get it out without some disassembly.
So, Two Questions:
1. Any smart ideas out there on who to get this out with the least amount of work?
2. I thought about just leaving it in there but thought it might eventually jam the shift tube. Is that a practical concern?
Thanks in advance for your help.
So, Two Questions:
1. Any smart ideas out there on who to get this out with the least amount of work?
2. I thought about just leaving it in there but thought it might eventually jam the shift tube. Is that a practical concern?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 56
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Try looking at the steering column diagrams on LMC truck for some help.
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
Looking at the exploded view - I don't see how that bolt got past the shift collar??
Anyway... I just took the column out of my ’74, and it’s really not that big of a deal.Probably the hardest thing was getting that old wire connector separated.I don't know if it could bind, but if there's a chance that would NOT be good. I think I'd make sure to get it out.
One thing I noticed on my disassembly, it seems those flange bolt nuts shouldn’t have to be completely removed – just loosened enough to allow the bolt head to pivot free of the “square” mounting holes.
Anyway – the only idea that comes to mind other than a magnet – would be a skinny flexible (vacuum) tube attached to your vacuum-cleaner.Maybe you could get that down there and grab-on to the bolt with the suction. Good luck!
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
Looking at the exploded view - I don't see how that bolt got past the shift collar??
Anyway... I just took the column out of my ’74, and it’s really not that big of a deal.Probably the hardest thing was getting that old wire connector separated.I don't know if it could bind, but if there's a chance that would NOT be good. I think I'd make sure to get it out.
One thing I noticed on my disassembly, it seems those flange bolt nuts shouldn’t have to be completely removed – just loosened enough to allow the bolt head to pivot free of the “square” mounting holes.
Anyway – the only idea that comes to mind other than a magnet – would be a skinny flexible (vacuum) tube attached to your vacuum-cleaner.Maybe you could get that down there and grab-on to the bolt with the suction. Good luck!
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I know I had to work hard to screw this up but it did. That's why I wasn't that worried about it before it happened.
You're absolutely right about just loosening the bolt. I didn't feel like pulling the shop manual out (which tells you just to loosen the bolt) and instead was following a thread on another board that said to remove them.
Thanks for your thoughts.
You're absolutely right about just loosening the bolt. I didn't feel like pulling the shop manual out (which tells you just to loosen the bolt) and instead was following a thread on another board that said to remove them.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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