Came up short...
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
Came up short...
I changed to different outside tube when I rebuilt my steering column. Everything fit well until I put on the wheel and came up short. There is 3/8" between the back of the steering wheel and the collar or housing that is supposed to meet it. Now there is a gap. I'm scratching my head and can't figure out where it went wrong. I measured the column tubes prior to use, and came up equal.
Any ideas???
Any ideas???
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
Maybe a key way, groove, notch, indent or something that is not matched up. Is the outer tube the only change? I bet it is something simple. Take a short break, regroup and then get back at it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
I slept on the problem and this morning I understood what the problem was. There is a metal collar held on the steering shaft with two set screws. I installed that collar on its witness mark, but I also installed an aftermarket bearing that took the place of the plastic bushing on the end of the column. I think that collar is hitting
the bearing, preventing the shaft from sliding down to where the snap ring at the wheel end is seated. I remember noting that the snap ring is about 3/8" from its normal position. Darn it.
the bearing, preventing the shaft from sliding down to where the snap ring at the wheel end is seated. I remember noting that the snap ring is about 3/8" from its normal position. Darn it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
See that collar with the two allen head set screws? The original position of that is inside the column tube, out of view. But with the aftermarket replacement bearing in the photo, but with it in place, it prevents the shaft from sliding to the second groove of the snap ring at the wheel end of the column. Yes, there are two snap ring grooves. With the collar outside, I placed the snap ring in the second groove, and the steering wheel was allowed to meet the shifter/horn mechanism housing, without there being a gap between them.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
All good now. It is really nice to drive it. I'm glad I by-passed the neutral safety switch and removed it too.
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