C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

[Gary Cederman]

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

I recall that the outer tube is fixed between the firewall clamp and collar, so the steering shaft must be translating back and forth. The steering shaft is connected to the rag joint, which limits how far the steering shaft can move toward the driver. It should only have a little play - I'd check there first. The "sleeve" is held in position by a screw/wedge gizmo, and it limits travel away from the driver. The upper bearing is also part of the horn contact switch, so it must be located so the spring loaded contact button is slightly compressed. I just located the "sleeve" last after all the other dimensions were locked in. Of course there's the goofy Bowden cable that runs down the column to the turn signal switch at the base of the column, but that's another story. I eventually replaced the stock steering column with a Flaming River tilt steering column. I packed away the stock steering column in case I ever want to fool around with turn signal cancel mechanism every 20 minutes again.

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

Mike,

Thanks for the response but, I may have stated my problem incorrectly. The movement that I am trying to describe goes 'up' to the ceiling and 'down' to the floor. So, that is why I think it has to do with the upper bearing.

I can not find in the manuals any reference to a "screw/wedge gizmo" that is used to hold the sleeve in.

Does anyone else have any suggestions on where the sleeve should be positioned?

Thanks,

Gary

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

Hey Gary -

Maybe we'd better clarify some terminology first. The service manual refers to the outer tube as the "mast jacket". The collar that the steering column assembly passes through and attaches to the bottom of the instrument panel is called the "escutcheon". The upper bearing also serves as a horn switchplate and is mounted on the mast jacket. There is a 2 piece steering column support bracket assembly under the dash that supports the steering column assembly and is easy to install incorrectly. Now you say your column is moving up and down. Is the mast jacket stationary and the hub moves? If so maybe there is too much slop between the bearing and the mast jacket. If the whole steering column assembly moves, then it's probably the steering column support bracket. If you want to e-mail me a photo that would clarify your problem, send it to mghaluska@aol.com

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

Mike,

I agree that I should have been using the proper terminology when describing things.

What appears to be moving is the steering shaft, which has the steering wheel attached to the top of it. The mask jacket and the steering support hardware parts that attach under the instrument cluster are not moving at all. I think they are OK. The lower part of the steering shaft (on the engine side of the firewall) with the lower bearing and rag-joint appears to be OK.

This is why I was asking about the installation of the sleeve that goes on the steering shaft at the top along with the upper bearing. I thought that maybe the sleeve is installed incorrectly and that is why I have the up/down movement. I don't understand the purpose of the sleeve. It looks like it doesn't do anything. Could someone explain the purpose of this part?

I do not have pictures available yet but, I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the offer.

Any other ideas?

Gary

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

Hey Gary -

I looked at my stock steering column and I didn't find the "sleeve" you are referring to. The steering shaft slides inside the upper bearing with the hub in the splined portion of the shaft. Maybe a previous owner tried to correct a loose fitting steering shaft (not the correct diameter?) by using a sleeve between the shaft and the bearing? At any rate, measure the inside diameter of the bearing and the outside diameter of the shaft. If there's a big difference, that is probably the source of your problem.

[Gary Cederman]

Re: C2 ('63) Steering column sleeve

Mike,

The AIMs and the Shop Manual both refer to this sleeve so, I believe it is correct.

I disassembled everything a few nights ago and I discovered that I broke the
plastic part of the upper bearing/horn assembly. So, I am stuck until I can get
a new one.

I think I have figured out what the sleeve is for. The position of the sleeve on the steering shaft is between the bottom side of the steering hub and the top side of the upper bearing/horn assembly. I don't think that it should go between the upper bearing and the steering shaft. It should be a snug fit that I think is achieved when you make the adjustment of the tension on the lower steering shaft spring. This spring, along with the washer and clamp assembly, pushes up against the lower steering shaft bearing in the engine compartment area. The specification is 0.01 to 0.03 inches of axial movement.

Anyway, I think my biggest problem was when I first installed the steering shaft into the mask jacket with the upper and lower bearings and then installed the assembly into the car, I noticed that the shaft would not move in and out unless I'd 'helped' it with a rubber mallet. That should have been my first clue that something was wrong. I think that it was binding somewhere and instead of fixing the problem, I decided to 'help' it some more!

Oh well, live and learn. Now I have order new bearings and I am going to take smaller steps when assembling the unit this time.

Thanks for your help.

Gary