Issue with steering wheel/column.

[slowcpe]

I bought this truck a few weeks ago with a 3-spd/non-tilt column and a cracked wheel. Picked up another wheel at a swap meet and just went to install today. Now I’m not sure if this problem was already there as I haven really driven the truck much. But when I went to install the wheel I noticed the shaft inside the column will pop out about an inch when you pull back on the wheel. At first I thought the wheel might not be tight enough but after an impact driver and 1/2” ratchet I’m sure it’s on tight. Is there a part I’m missing or something in the column broke.

Original wheel



New wheel



Steering column



Amount it pulls out

[Boog]

Have a look at the lower end of the column under the hood. There should be a large washer and spring to preload the steering shaft.

[slowcpe]

I know the spring is there. I assume the washer is there.

[Kennuck]

The bearing is not preloaded with the steering wheel off. When you put the wheel back on and tighten it down it will load up the spring.

[slowcpe]

It was moving about that much with the wheel on. I had a 1/2” ratchet and put just about as much force as I could to keep tightening but decided that might be too much for and took the wheel back off. That’s why I’m curious if I’m missing something.

[Kennuck]

Post a pic of the other end like Boog posted so we can see what's going on

[slowcpe]

[Kennuck]

That lower bearing is not seated in the column fully, so you have to take up that distance as well as the distance on the steering wheel end. You really need to know if it was like this with the original wheel.

[Boog]

What shape is the intermediate shaft in?

[slowcpe]

I’ll take a pic in a bit but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

[slowcpe]

The intermediate shaft looks fine to me. When I seat the bearing at the firewall it pushes the shaft in the cab out. I put the new wheel on again, used my DeWalt 18v impact driver and took it to the point it wouldn’t move the socket. Decided to get the 1/2” impact out. I let her rip for a few seconds with it barely tuning the nut. I gave up before I damaged anything. If I push the shaft down the bearing at the firewall goes down. Here’s what it looks like now with the bearing pushed in.

[slowcpe]

I think I may have found the culprit. It appears I might have a weak spring. I got the bearing to seat in the lower part of the column and the steering wheel where it needs to be. Wedged the washer up to put more tension on the spring and now the wheel hardly moves. I see LMC has a replacement spring for like $7. Guess I'll order one and see what happens.

[LockDoc]

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You might also loosen up the bolt on the clamp at the top of the intermediate shaft and have someone push down on the steering wheel while you tighten it back up. You might have to spray some penetrating oil on that area and tap around it with a small hammer after you loosen the bolt to get it to move. There is some adjustment there but I'm not sure it will be that much.

LockDoc

[slowcpe]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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You might also loosen up the bolt on the clamp at the top of the intermediate shaft and have someone push down on the steering wheel while you tighten it back up. You might have to spray some penetrating oil on that area and tap around it with a small hammer after you loosen the bolt to get it to move. There is some adjustment there but I'm not sure it will be that much.

LockDoc

Good idea. Thank you