Hello. First time post. I have been a member for a few years and have to tell you that everytime I needed to troubleshoot a new problem on the Company's 97 E Superduty, 7.3L PSD, I got the best answers from this forum.

This one I am stumped and have searched every posting about the steering column. The steering column bearings in the upper end, it is a tilt wheel, went bad. Thanks to all the advice from this board that I used to prepare for the task, it took all of 10 minutes to get to the point of being one step away, 30 seconds, from getting the new bearings in place.

See attached diagram.
I am stuck with the top assembly (#3511), where the bearings sit, still hooked to the main body of the steering column assembly (#3F723) by way of a palstic slide (#3E723 and #3E715, 3E723 is pinned to #e715 and the pivot is inside the main body). This plastic slide assembly connects between the key cylinder and the Ignition switch under the column.

Since I can't get the top (pivot) body away from the main body far enoyugh to get the sterring column shaft out, I can't get the new bearings in. The old ones fell out already while I was wrangling this around.

Since it is Saturday and I have to have the truck in service Monday, I have to ask for help. Already callled two ford shops and the A team seems to have the weekend off. One shop suggested I bring it in. I asked if they thought I could drive it without a steering wheel.

I am 30 seconds away from starting reassembly if I could just get the ignition slide out.

Thanks for listening and I appreciate your help.[IMG]

 

welcome aboard. glad to hear we can assist. i think i understand what you are talking about. if you look on the underside where the key cylinder is, you will see a hole. switch the truck on and depress the ball inside the hole with a pick or pocket screwdriver. once it comes out, take a right angle pick and pop out the green plastic retainer down inside the barrel. now take a flat head screw driver and put the head in the slot on the bearing retainer and turn clockwise ( if i am not mistaken) and remove it( it has to align with a groove in the barrel). then grab the star gear with a pair of needle nose pliers and the upper housing will come off.

 

I think you are right. Its dark now so I'll try this in the AM. I saw the green retainerand thought it looked fragile. That would make sense to turn the nut clockwise as the tumbler moves the slide out as it is turned to start position. Was not able to attach a picture, sorry.

 

no apologies needed. good luck in the am.

 

That was it. Thanks. Next time I will pull the clip, remove the metal plate and note the position of the gear and remove that too. It is easier to realign everything for the ignition switch after the column goes back together.