Steering Column Problems
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
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Steering Column Problems
I am having problems with the steering column on my 1981 F100 Custom Cab 300 6cyl automatic truck. I have replaced the turn signal cam and switch and it works fine except after getting it all together the steering wheel will move up and down about 1/4 inch. I think that the upper bearing on the column, which had a hard rubber case on it, which was cracked, seems to have deteriorated and now the right turn arm has broken. I haven't been able to locate this bearing with the rubber case on it. Is the part available in the market? On the same column the shift lever is loose and flops around some which I assume is because some part is broken within the column. Is there a normal wear item within this column? Thanks for all the help you have given in keeping these old trucks on the road. Les
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
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From: Atlantic Canada
I am having problems with the steering column on my 1981 F100 Custom Cab 300 6cyl automatic truck. I have replaced the turn signal cam and switch and it works fine except after getting it all together the steering wheel will move up and down about 1/4 inch. I think that the upper bearing on the column, which had a hard rubber case on it, which was cracked, seems to have deteriorated and now the right turn arm has broken. I haven't been able to locate this bearing with the rubber case on it. Is the part available in the market? On the same column the shift lever is loose and flops around some which I assume is because some part is broken within the column. Is there a normal wear item within this column? Thanks for all the help you have given in keeping these old trucks on the road. Les
Edit: Somebody else will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the "rubber case" you're talking about is a separate part and is not included with the bearing. Pretty sure I reused mine.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
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My dealer here in Buckeye AZ will not even look up for anything prior to 1990. I was not able to recognize it on the online sites. If you have a number or maybe Numberdummy could give it to me I can try to locate it. Thanks Les.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I am having problems with the steering column on my 1981 F100 Custom Cab 300 6cyl automatic truck. I have replaced the turn signal cam and switch and it works fine except after getting it all together the steering wheel will move up and down about 1/4 inch. I think that the upper bearing on the column, which had a hard rubber sleeve on it, which was cracked, seems to have deteriorated and now the right turn arm has broken.
I haven't been able to locate this bearing with the rubber sleeve on it.
On the same column the shift lever is loose and flops around some which I assume is because some part is broken within the column. Is there a normal wear item within this column?
I haven't been able to locate this bearing with the rubber sleeve on it.
On the same column the shift lever is loose and flops around some which I assume is because some part is broken within the column. Is there a normal wear item within this column?
1980/91 F100/350, Bronco & Econoline without tilt wheel:
F23Z-3517-B .. Upper Steering Column Bearing / Available from Ford
EARNHARDT FORD in Chandler AZ has 1 = 480-893-0000.
HAVEN FORD PARTS in Haven KS has 2 = 620-465-2252.
CARPENTER NOS OBSOLETE PARTS in Concord NC has 203 = 800-476-8653.
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E2AZ-3518-C .. Upper Steering Column Bearing Sleeve / Obsolete
HAVEN FORD PARTS has 1.
TISCHNER FORD SALES in Santaquin UT has 5 = 801-754-3281.
CARPENTER NOS OBSOLETE PARTS has 201.
See 3517 & 3518 in pic:
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
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Thank you Numberdummy. I will call Carpenter next week and get one.When I had it open the bearing didn't seem to have any wear on it, does it get much wear so that you think it would be a good idea to replace it to prevent future failures. I try to be frugal since there are lots of items on the wish list. Les
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Thank you Numberdummy. I will call Carpenter next week and get one.When I had it open the bearing didn't seem to have any wear on it, does it get much wear so that you think it would be a good idea to replace it to prevent future failures. I try to be frugal since there are lots of items on the wish list. Les
The sleeve is obsolete, Carpenter has it, also has the bearing, so it's "one stop shopping."
I'd suggest replacing both parts, since they're at least 38 years old.
I'm 6 years and a day older than you...
(9/9/44)
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