69 Steering Slop in upper steering shaft

[sffan15]

I've got a two-piece steering shaft and I noticed some slop when I was going through and inspecting things with the engine out recently. The truck steers great, but this radial slop obviously isn't supposed to be there. It's in the upper shaft, where the shaft goes into the firewall, just after the rag joint. Here's a video

You'll likely notice a hexagonal nut that's just flopping there. I'm assuming that's supposed to be up in the assembly, taking up this slop, but it's not clear from the few diagrams I've found (is this the best one? The links on TBP seem to be broken).

Should I be taking this apart and fixing right away, or is it safe to run in this condition? Any info you have for me is appreciated!

 

[thegreatjustino]

That loose piece above the column clamp is the lower steering column bearing. It should be pressed into the bottom of the column and the column clamp should be tightened against it. If the bearing is worn out, you can get new bearings and sleeves.

From the looks of it, you don't have a '69 column either. The loose bearing/sleeve is the later style.

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Up_or_low_column_Bearing_7476yr

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Bearing_Sleeve_7477yr


Either that or someone put the later bearing in the earlier column, which would also cause a problem. In that case, you need the correct earlier lower bearing, sleeve, and felt washer:

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Up_or_Low_column_Bearing_6673yr

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Bearing_sleeve_6673yr

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Column_Felt_Washer

 

[sffan15]

Thanks for the response justino, appreciate it very much.

Would you say the slop shown is what you'r expect with that bearing being out?

Is there a tech article that explains the most logical/simplest way to swap that bearing + sleeve?

Thanks again,
Joey

Thanks,

 

[sffan15]

I'm reading other posts I can find which mention this bearing, and I'm getting the feeling I have to remove the entire column to get to it, but none of them say it outright. Am I correct? Just wana be sure before I set off after this thing

 

[thegreatjustino]

For the most part, yes, you have to remove the entire column. However, if you loosen the column, remove the lower steering shaft, and wiggle the column enough, you might be able to get the upper shaft out under the core support and around the frame. I wouldn't count on it though. I'd be prepared to remove the entire column through the dash into the cab.

To answer your other question, yes, getting the correct bearing and related parts and mking sure they're snugged between the column and column clamp will take up that slack you show in your video.

I had this same issue on my '69 years ago and finally took care of it when I converted to power steering. I need to fix the same issue on my '73 currently, but I think that's just a worn out sleeve.

 

[sffan15]

I see. It's really not a safety issue then I presume. Maybe I won't worry about it until I have another reason to remove the steering column. Eventually I am going to refurb my dash, probably just do it then.

 

[sffan15]

Thanks again for the help

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