Steering column
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Steering column
Waddya think, guys: rebuild or replace? The steering column on my '65 is feeling shot. The bearing at the top (closest to the steering wheel) is loose and there's a bunch of slop. Do you guys think it's better to rebuild the one I have or pull one out of a boneyard?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Neal, You could find one in a bone yard for $10.00 (maybe) and you would be miles ahead. If they want 50.00 and the paint don't match you wont.
Have you done all, or upgraded in that area that you plan to?
John
Have you done all, or upgraded in that area that you plan to?
John
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
You can replace the upper and lower bearings for less than 10 bux, getting the parts from LMC or Carpenter.
That plus about 2 or 3 hours of work will get you a nice smooth turning column.
Anything you get out of the boneyard will still have 40 year old bearings in it (most likely anyway), and you'll still have to spend the 2 or more hours to change it out.
That plus about 2 or 3 hours of work will get you a nice smooth turning column.
Anything you get out of the boneyard will still have 40 year old bearings in it (most likely anyway), and you'll still have to spend the 2 or more hours to change it out.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Hmm. I wasn't planning any upgrades for that area but i did consider the problem with junkyard parts. Let me ask this then: is it easier to replace the bearings if the column is on the bench rather then in the truck? I do need a new steering wheel anyways, so if I pull a used column I'll get a new wheel, too.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Yes, you will have to pull the column to replace the lower bearing. You do not need to pull the collar, though, to change the upper bearing, nor to remove the center shaft (which you must do to get to the lower bearing).
Avoid removing the collar at all costs, as it is difficult to reassemble.
Avoid removing the collar at all costs, as it is difficult to reassemble.
