steering column rebuild
 

Tore down my 1982 Suburban steering column to replace a missing spring for the cancelling cam. Got that done no problems so I decided why not complete the rebuild by taking all the wobble out of the steering column by tighting up the 4 bolts that is the common problem. Got it all apart after watching some videos but ran into a question I need help on. The top part of the steering shaft in the top of the column movers about 1/2 inch in and out. The bottom of the shaft connected to the intermediate shaft does move when the top does. Not sure how this is possible. I thought it was all one shaft. Is there some sort of slider mech. in the shaft to make this possible. Is this normal and will go away when it is completely re assembled or if I missing a retainer or something. It moves enough that the swivel ball will dislodge slightly to cause some wiggling. Anyone know if I need to check something or look for something before I reassemble. Thanks

Re: steering column rebuild
 

found a diagram of the steering column broken down into pieces. looks like the main shaft is 2 pieces works like a slider. So my up and down movement may be factory.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Is this the joint you are referring to?

Re: steering column rebuild
 

yes. But I would like to see is the entire shaft below the ball joint to the end that connects to the intermediate shaft. When i pull on the top of this shaft the ball comes out of the joint holder and the entire shaft comes forward about an inch. But the bottom of the shaft connected to the intermediate steering shaft never moves.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

The steering column is made to collapse in an impact. The lower part of the shaft is telescopic with plastic injected in it to hold it rigid. The service manual says not to drop, hit, or place weight on the shaft when removed to keep the plastic from shearing.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

I have seen the plastic injected intermediate shaft but never have had the main steering shaft out to see what it is made of. from the parts picture I have found it looks like the same sort of engineering went into it also.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Re: steering column rebuild
 

That's the video I watched. Very well done.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Here's a breakdown and rebuild of all the parts clearly shown with a cutaway of column, PDF by Jazzman.
This guy is good too!

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

Save this PDF for future reference.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Wow; That is great.
He spent a great deal of time on the document.
I am right at the point I needed something like this.
Thank you!
Rick

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Here is the one I use

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=12525.0

Re: steering column rebuild
 

any chance anyone has a gm part number for a lower steering shaft that goes in the column itself. 92 Suburban tilt.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=2138056&stc=1&d=1633842866
Are you talking about the lower shaft the top shaft in the pic here the is up side down.

47https://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/images/tele.jpg

Re: steering column rebuild
 

No, The shaft that connects to that shaft. It has a hook looking end that snaps to that ball shaft.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

The part number includes both pieces 7831674.
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-pa...bC12OC1nYXM%3D

Discontinued.

Re: steering column rebuild
 

Thank You that's it. My search begins