66 Lower Steering Column Issues… Need Some Advice

[Dover]

Installed a new steering wheel today—pretty straightforward—until I got to the final install and noticed a ton of fore/aft and side-to-side play in the steering shaft. The hub is fully seated, and I didn’t have any play at all when removing the old wheel, so something definitely changed.

I checked under the hood where the shaft comes out of the firewall and noticed the lower steering column bearing looks like it has completely fallen apart. I’m assuming that’s the source of all the movement.

My issue is: when I go to order a replacement, most of the lower column bearings seem to be listed for OE manual steering or for ’72–’77 Broncos. Mine has power steering, so I’m not sure if the earlier replacement bearings will work with my setup.

Looking for advice on:

• What exactly I’m dealing with here
• Whether the standard lower bearing kits will fit a power-steering ’66
• Or if there’s a specific part/kit I should order

Much appreciated!

- Ben

 

[thegreatjustino]

If you want to replace everything, in order:

Bearing in the bottom of the column:

Steering Column Bearing | Upper or Lower | 1966-73 Bronco, 1957-73 Ford Truck

Restore tight, smooth steering! OEM-fit bearing for upper or lower column, fits 66–73 Ford Bronco & 57-73 Ford Truck. Sold each, grab two for a full refresh!

www.wildhorses4x4.com

Spacer inside the bearing:

Steering Column Bearing Sleeve | 1966-73 Bronco, 1957-73 Ford Truck

Don’t let steering slop ruin the ride - this steering column bearing sleeve restores support for tight, smooth control in your 66–73 Bronco or 57-73 Ford Truck.

www.wildhorses4x4.com

Felt washer to hold the spacer in the bearing:

Steering Column Felt Retaining Washer | 1966-73 Bronco, 1965-73 Ford Truck

Remember the small parts that make a big difference - this felt washer keeps any 66-73 Bronco or 65-73 Ford Truck steering column sealed, and functioning right.

www.wildhorses4x4.com

Clamp to hold all three pieces in:

Steering Shaft Clamp | Stainless | 1966-75 Ford Bronco

Keep your Bronco’s steering shaft in place - this polished stainless clamp replaces the factory retainer and adds strength, safety, and shine under the hood.

www.wildhorses4x4.com

Before buying and replacing any of these things I would take apart what you have and inspect the parts. It could be as simple as the bolt on the clamp coming loose and letting everything slide out of the column and down the steering shaft. If that's the case, simply pushing everything back up and tightening the bolt on the clamp would be the fix and not cost you anything.

I've personally had to cut up an old inner tube from a bicycle tire and use a piece of rubber between the shaft and clamp in order to get the clamp to stay where it's supposed to be and not slide down the shaft.

 

[Oldtimer]

From the photos it appears that when power steering was added the one piece stock shaft (steering wheel to coupler at box) was cut off below column, a joint added, and a two piece lower shaft added. Every thing in the column should be original parts that justino listed.

Did replacement wheel keep stock spring at top of column?

 

[Dover]

From the photos it appears that when power steering was added the one piece stock shaft (steering wheel to coupler at box) was cut off below column, a joint added, and a two piece lower shaft added. Every thing in the column should be original parts that justino listed.

Did replacement wheel keep stock spring at top of column?

Slightly different spring. Probably a little less tension. That said during the process of pulling off the old hub there was no play. Not sure when this play appeared but confident it wasn't there with the original spring removed. Maybe my prying/mallet hammering of the old hub off?

 

[Dover]

If you want to replace everything, in order:

Bearing in the bottom of the column:

http://[URL]https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-73-ford-bronco-steering-column-bearing

[/URL]

Spacer inside the bearing:

http://[URL]https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-73-ford-bronco-steering-column-bearing-sleeve

[/URL]

Felt washer to hold the spacer in the bearing:

http://[URL]https://www.wildhorses4...o-lower-steering-column-felt-retaining-washer

[/URL]

Clamp to hold all three pieces in:

http://[URL]https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-75-ford-bronco-steering-shaft-clamp-oem

[/URL]


Before buying and replacing any of these things I would take apart what you have and inspect the parts. It could be as simple as the bolt on the clamp coming loose and letting everything slide out of the column and down the steering shaft. If that's the case, simply pushing everything back up and tightening the bolt on the clamp would be the fix and not cost you anything.

I've personally had to cut up an old inner tube from a bicycle tire and use a piece of rubber between the shaft and clamp in order to get the clamp to stay where it's supposed to be and not slide down the shaft.

Amazing info. Thank you for the time and detailed post. I owe you a beer for certain.

 

[thegreatjustino]

If you look to the left under my avatar you'll see that I've been a member here for nearly 24 years. I knew very little about Broncos or even cars in general when I joined this site. I'm incredibly grateful to all the more knowledgeable guys than I who put up with my incessant questions back in the day. I'm happy to pass that knowledge on to others when I can.

Unlike Facebook where you get the immaturity of people laughing at rookies who are trying to learn something, this site has always been great about helping people learn more than they currently know.

 

[Speedrdr]

^^^ this ^^^ I can certainly attest to what @thegreatjustino said, as I have been in the position of having asked some pretty much greenhorn questions and was not dogged about what I asked.

 

[Dover]

@thegreatjustino @Speedrdr It truly is awesome. I haven't worked on vehicles since the Bronco I had in high school (90 full size) and now that I'm retiring from the military and we are settling down I finally got my dream car, this 66. I'm not even close to my high school level of mechanical knowledge anymore so it's great having this forum (and YouTube!). I always hit the search button before asking a question though! Thanks again for paying it forward and I'll still happily buy you a beer!

 

[nvrstuk]

Glad these guys and others have helped ya out. Great knowledge base here and respect for each other... unlike like Pirate was/is and FB can be crazy ugly.

Wish ya the best on your '66 project and retirement!

 

[thegreatjustino]

@thegreatjustino @Speedrdr It's truly is awesome. I haven't worked on vehicles since the Bronco I had in high school (90 full size) and now that I'm retiring from the military and we are settling down I finally got my dream car, this 66. I'm not even close to my high school level of mechanical knowledge anymore so it's great having this forum (and YouTube!). I always hit the search button before asking a question though! Thanks again for paying it forward and I'll still happily buy you a beer!

If you're on Facebook, join the Bubba’s Broncos buy, sell and tips group. Although it leans heavily toward the first generation, they help with all years. Might see your old 90 on there. That group is much like this site. Bubba doesn't put up with the laughing and making fun of other peoples' questions. It's moderated pretty well.

 

[Dover]

If you're on Facebook, join the Bubba’s Broncos buy, sell and tips group. Although it leans heavily toward the first generation, they help with all years. Might see your old 90 on there. That group is much like this site. Bubba doesn't put up with the laughing and making fun of other peoples' questions. It's moderated pretty well.

Done! Thanks!

 

[nvrstuk]

I scrolled over to Bubba's and it seemed like a buy and sell site! I'll try again some other day.

 

[thegreatjustino]

I scrolled over to Bubba's and it seemed like a buy and sell site! I'll try again some other day.

Little bit of everything there. Lately there's been a lot of questions of fitment on things. From body panels to headers to air cleaners.