Steering column parts.

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Aug 4, 2002 | 07:50 PM

Ratsmoker

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Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Missouri

Steering column parts.

I was experienceing a popping noise when I was steering the other day so I took the wheel off. I then took the next part behind it off. This just kind of fel apart. I don't know what you call everything but I was wondering where I can get a kit to rebuild that part of the column and a diagram of how it all goes together properly. My steering wheel shaft fits loosely in the tube now. I can still steer safely but its annoying. I would like to get the showroom feel back.

Aug 4, 2002 | 09:04 PM

tim71ford

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Wichita USA

Steering column parts.

I'm getting the popping sound to. I'll be curious to hear what you find out. I think you can download a diagram of the steering column from www.bwautoparts.com under the download catalogs link--hopefully that will be able to help you with the rebuild. Good luck!
Tim

Aug 5, 2002 | 07:08 AM

F100NIGHTMARE

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Steering column parts.

Hello, I don't know what part you are talking about, but I had a similiar situation. It was a coupling in the center steering shaft. I think the mechanic called it a grommet bushing. It looks like a big rubber washer. I'm think maybe first response to this post may have a similar problem to what I had.

Aug 5, 2002 | 07:17 AM

tim71ford

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From: Wichita USA

Steering column parts.

That rubber disc your talking about can be purchased at an auto parts store for around $8-$10 and it includes new hardware. I replaced that when I did the power steering conversion. It's purpose is to dampen any bumps etc from the road from vibrating up the steering column and into the wheel where you can feel it. The popping sound I'm tlaking about is when you acually turn the wheel. The truck drive fine so I'm not too worried aobut it. I do wish the wheel would self-center after a turn though--that's kind of a pain to have to turn it back to center. It centered fine with manual steering so I guess something's probably wrong in the PS gearbox.

Tim

Aug 5, 2002 | 08:50 AM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Steering column parts.

Rat, Tim, The steering column is really a simple piece, shaft, outer cover couple of bearings, couple of plactic bearing to shaft spacers and a spring to maintain tenshion, TS switch, horn and maybe a neutral start and backup light switch. I rebuild my columns with new parts, a little paint and new switches. This way I never have to screw around with them again, ever. I strongly suggest you remove the column. Not difficult at all and you will be able to do a complete and professional rebuild job. Replace the old steering coupler with one of the new plastic ones from Ford. Those old rubber couplers suck. Replace both the upper and lower bearings. They are the same and if your upper bearing is shot I'll bet the lower one is also. The lower bearing cannot be replaced with the column in the truck. Replace the TS switch and horn brush while your in there. Paint the column install a new booit and reinstall. Tim, your self centering issue could be really serious and is definatly not normal. I recommend you get that repaired/adjusted ASAP!
William in Atlanta

Aug 5, 2002 | 10:14 AM

tim71ford

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From: Wichita USA

Steering column parts.

William,
Thanks for the advice. Do you happen to have an idea of where to take it for the adjustment and how much something like that should cost--ballpark guess?
Thanks,
Tim

Aug 6, 2002 | 02:36 PM

jherman

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Joined: Feb 2001

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Steering column parts.

William
Any idea on parts cost for a complete rebuild replacement of switches etc. Also, the 78-79 Tilt is supposed to be the correct one to put into the 1972 F250s. I heard is does not have any of the energy absorbing technolgy but starting with the 1980 Tilt Steering Columns they did use that technology. Anyone know how one could use the energy absorbing technology in the 78-79 Steering Column. I assume a 1980 tilt column wouln't fit properly.
Joe Herman