Steering column/turn signal collar gap

[larry499]

Does anyone have suggestions on what would cause a 5/16" gap between back of steering wheel and turn signal collar? The truck is 1969 F100 SWB, 3 spd column shift, I6 engine. I have looked at everything I can think of, all appears to be where it should be to my untrained eye. I have read posts that look likely for some clues but no luck. I would appreciate anyone taking time to tell me what I am overlooking. If I can get this resolved then my turn signals won't be on all the time, the folks around here will appreciate it. Thanks all, Larry

[MaxKlinger]

I have exactly the same gap on my truck. I haven't attacked this yet because I'm planning to replace my steering wheel soon anyway. I'll keep an eye on this in case someone comes up with an answer before I swap over the new wheel.

[spartman]

first check to see if your steering shaft bearings need to be replaced.

If they are good then it is a simple matter of adjusting the column.

All I did was to loosen the two bolts under the dash a little so I had some slack, then went under the hood, and loosened the clamp that holds the column to the firewall bracket.

The final thing to loosen is the clamp that holds the bottom bearing so you can slide the column separate from the shaft.

Once you do get the column aligned where you want then tighten the dash bolts first and then tighten everything else up.

Worked like a charm. for me.

[convincor]

There's a clamp at the bottom of the column which holds the location of the shaft. Either it moved or the lower bearing is bad. Like all the ball are gone allowing the spring at the top of the column to push the wheel up.

[MaxKlinger]

Like all the ball are gone allowing the spring at the top of the column to push the wheel up.

If it's spring loaded, would this mean that if I pushed on the wheel in the direction of the column I would be able to push it in?

[spartman]

Some.

You also have to remember that you are pressing against the rag joint that connects to the gear box.

[ezernut9mm]

could bad cab mounts also cause this?

[fordman]

could bad cab mounts also cause this?

yes. that is one of the many factors of the gap.

the next thing up would be a worn rag joint. as spartman said bad bearings. or even just a adjustment. from being old. the columns are a hard thin to keep up with for the years that have been put on them.

as far as the spring goes. it is ther to push the wheel and the column apart so it will operate properly and not let the wheel rub the column.

[MaxKlinger]

Alright guys help me out - what is a rag joint?

I'm pretty sure cab mounts aren't the problem, mine are rock solid.

[DuckRyder]

Alright guys help me out - what is a rag joint?

It is the rubber where the column connects to the steering box.

[larry499]

Thanks all for the tips. Upper bearing seems to have evaporated except for outter race. Have not looked further but I will. I asked this in the process of working on turn signals. Two different cancel cams (wrong cancel cams) later everything still as it was. At least I got to clean and lube the switch. I am heading to Electrical category to ask the feasibility of installing a Peterson Model 500 turn signal switch assy. It looks like a big ol' good switch. Comments/advice welcome. Thanks again, Larry

[convincor]

my truck has one of them big'ol switches in it know. Just rebuilt another column to replace it.
you can have it if you want it. cover shipping.

[fmartin_gila1]

That looks like the Peterson 500 switch. Read my posts in the electric part.
Fred

[larry499]

covincor, Thanks for offer on switch. The auto supply guy shoved one in my hands for a deal$$$ if I needed to use it, appreciate the offer though. Headed to electrical to see Fred's post. Larry