Steering shaft

[sargentrs]

Finally got around to pulling my steering column and found the root of the problem. The shaft bearings had worn out and the shaft is worn down around the bottom of the shift tube, making it real sloppy, which is why the shift levers would get locked up. Looks exactly like the pick in the steering column repair tech paper. Been trying to find one at DC, NPD, Macs, Carolina Classics but can't see to find it. Anybody got a part number for the shaft itself?

[convincor]

I've got a few used one's around that are good if used will do.
and I've got a place pretty close I can get new bearings and the plastic bushings.

[fordman]

they used to weld those up and turn them back down at a machine shop.

[sargentrs]

By the way, it's a 1970, 3spd manual, no power.

convincor, PM sent.

Already bought all new bearings, thrust washers, sleeves, bushings, etc. Figured that's what the deal was. Had to cut the wires though, PO apparently had been in the column before. Had trouble getting the shifter housing off and when I finally got it, I could see why. He'd spliced wires at least twice with butt connectors and they were jammed up under the housing and in the column. Must've ran out of connectors 'cause some splices were wrapped with duck tape. I'll resplice with fresh wiring using solder and shrink tube. Guess I can't criticize, I've done crap like that before.

[convincor]

Got it, and replied.

[jzjames]

Convincor, you can repair your shaft where there is a groove worn into it. Clean the grooved area completely with thinner and alcohol, then burr it up with some emery cloth for adhesion, and just apply some JB Weld, just as if you were filling the concave area of the groove with a bead of weld. Then with a fine flat file , or even a flat block with emory cloth, flatten out the JB Weld so the shaft is back to cylindrical shape. With the new bearings for the shaft, that area will no longer be rubbing on the collar, and JB Weld repair will not be impacted. Its a easy rapair, it worked for me.

[sargentrs]

Got my steering shaft today (thanks convincor, it's in great shape!). Now, how do you get the rag joint bracket off of it? Is it threaded or pressed?

[convincor]

i believe there pressed. Looking at this pic you can see the splines.
I would have popped it off for you if I knew you wanted to change.
I've got a 25 ton press here.

[sargentrs]

It's cool, no problem. I've got stuff here at work to get it off with. Just didn't want to twist it when I should be pushing it, or push it when I should be twisting it Thanks, it's great!

[sargentrs]

OK, ready to start reassembly. Got the upper column bearing pressed in the tube flange. Does the lower column bearing press into the bottom of the column shaft housing or does it just sit in there and is held in place by that clamp?

[fordman]

i think its held by the clamp and bushing

[sargentrs]

That's what I was thinking. Just snug it up and call it done.

[sargentrs]

Back up and regroup one LAST time. I was just looking at the "How to Shorten Your Manual-Steering Column" for a shot of the lower column bearing. Fig. 7 makes it look like it's pressed in. Are we sure it's not? It sure doesn't sit in that hollow very straight. Kinda wobbles around.

[fordman]

its not pressed in the outer column has a cup for the bearing to sit in i dont thinkit will fit all that tight in a used housing. due to wear over the years.

[sargentrs]

Well allrighteethen. She goes back together this weekend! Thanks!