1968 Lower Bearing Retainer

[Gray035]

The column on my 1968 was replaced when it was converted to power steering years ago. It has always had a large gap between the steering wheel and the shift collar, which means the horn doesn't work. Plus it's just unsightly. I finally discovered what I believe is the problem. There is no clamp on the bottom of the column (between the column and the power steering box) retaining the lower bearing. It appears that there are different types of columns, and its' not clear to me how to determine what I've got so that I can figure out what the lower bearing retainer looks like, and begin to figure out where I can get one. I do know that my power steering box is a Saginaw.

Can anyone help me out?

Should I post some pictures?

[sargentrs]

There's a few on ebay right now. This is the style on my '70. Part Number C5TZ-3D681-B

https://www.ebay.com/dsc/i.html?rmvSB=t ... TZ-3D681-B

[FLASH 1]

if its a true power steering column,, < unlike these idiots cutting columns to turn into p/s columns > those clamps most likely will not work due to not enough room between the column and shaft,, what should be is a round spacer with allen setscrew then next item is lower bearing retainer so that spacer does not ride on the lower bearing, that spacer is what adjusts the space between the wheel and the turn signal switch mounting plate and the space there should be the thickness of a business card or enough so you do not here the wheel

[Gray035]

I believe mine is a true power steering column. Flash1, are you saying that I need something other than part number C5TZ-3D681-B? If so, any idea where I should look for the part?

Thanks!

[sargentrs]

if its a true power steering column,, < unlike these idiots cutting columns to turn into p/s columns > those clamps most likely will not work due to not enough room between the column and shaft,, what should be is a round spacer with allen setscrew

Yep. What FLASH 1 said. You can see the difference in this photo.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/columns2.jpg

[Gray035]

Well shoot. I just ordered the one off of Ebay. I'll see if I can return it.

Any idea where I can get one with the allen key set screw?

[Gray035]

Another thought comes to mind. How would that allen key style retainer get removed from the column absent the interior shaft being entirely removed? It slides on right? Or is it two pieces with allen key screws on each side? The one in the picture is greasy and hard to see very well.

[sargentrs]

Slides on when installing the steering shaft unfortunately. I don't think it can done otherwise. You should be able to find something like this to work.
https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8& ... lb-o&pli=0

[Gray035]

Well, I got a split collar clamp like the one posted, but I discovered my problem is worse than I thought. The bearing has no bearings left in it. And the inner race is frozen on the steering shaft. I'm pretty sure if I want to fix it the entire column has to come out. I'm gonna start looking into how difficult that process is.

[sargentrs]

I'm gonna start looking into how difficult that process is.

Really not too bad although it can be a little stubborn at the rag joint and the firewall seal.

Remove the steering wheel. Remove the sheet metal screws holding the seal plate on the inside of the firewall. Remove the clamp holding the column to the column firewall bracket in the engine compartment. Remove the bolts holding the column bracket to the firewall in the engine compartment. Remove the 2 nuts holding the steering shaft and the rag joint together. Remove the transmission linkage rods from the steering column levers. Remove the 2 bolts under the dash holding the column to the dash. Unplug the wiring harness at the base of the column. Pull the steering column out. The rag joint may be stuck together so you might have to pry it apart at the rag. You'll have to lower and rotate the column to get the levers through the hole in the firewall. Once you have it out, here's a write up I did on rebuilding it. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=72274

[Gray035]

Any tips on removing the rubber(ish) material that covers the firewall (and the inner bracket for the column)? Mine is in good shape, but very old. At a minimum it looks like the fuse block is mounted on top of it and perhaps some other components as well.

[sargentrs]

Use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm it up. Work it from the bottom underside with a plastic spatula. Be patient and oh so careful. They get really brittle with age.

[Gray035]

I'm gonna wait a little while until I have a chunk of time to do this repair. Right now the only annoyance is the large gap and no working horn.

What a hassle for a little bearing

[DuckRyder]

It is really not too big of a deal to disassemble to column - assuming you have the parts you need even taking your time and painting it you should be able to start and finish a Saturday with a driving truck...

[Gray035]

It is really not too big of a deal to disassemble to column - assuming you have the parts you need even taking your time and painting it you should be able to start and finish a Saturday with a driving truck...

The only parts I have are the replacement lower bearing. Are there others I should have on hand?