clicking steering column
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 16
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clicking steering column
I have a '73 f-100. Lately when I turn the wheel dueing a turn (won't do it just sitting in the driveway) it clicks like something is catching. I don't feel anything in the steering wheel itself. In fact it doesn't even do it all the time. Anyone have any idea what it could be? Sound dangerous? Worried that it'll lock up when I have my kid in with me.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
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clicking steering column
The first time I had this happen it was because the bushing that goes between the shaft and the bearing was gone (bought it this way)and things were moving around too much. The second time it was the signal switch was catching on the pin in the steering wheel (that's what turns off the signal). I bent the pin to get it to lign up right (I have an after market steering wheel). Not dangerous, just a bother.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
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From: Gainesville, FL
clicking steering column
Lil,
Check your blinker assembly. Can you rotate it at all? You shouldn't be able to. Can you push/pull it up or down the column at all? You shouldn't. If the c-clip in the column has come loose, it will push the blinker assembly against the sterring wheel. It will make a clicking noise at first then a grinding noise usually followed by a small fire. I hope thats not it.
KingFisher
P.S. Its usually hard to shift an automatic when this occurs.
Check your blinker assembly. Can you rotate it at all? You shouldn't be able to. Can you push/pull it up or down the column at all? You shouldn't. If the c-clip in the column has come loose, it will push the blinker assembly against the sterring wheel. It will make a clicking noise at first then a grinding noise usually followed by a small fire. I hope thats not it.
KingFisher
P.S. Its usually hard to shift an automatic when this occurs.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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clicking steering column
Thanks guys for your replies! It's not hard to shift but I have had a couple times when it doesn't go all the way into park. The steering wheel pad was missing when I bought it and the steering wheel itself is cracked on both sides. The column doesn't move at all and the blinker works perfectly. I'd pull the steering wheel but I fear it'll break even more and don't have $$$ to replace it yet.
