C-3 Tilt-Tele Steering Column Question

[Bill Lloyd #33481]

I have purchased a Tilt-Tele steering column that has been in a collision. The column seems to have collasped slightly. I am told that this is normal during a collision to protect the driver. I am going to dissassemble the column to check the lower shaft and shift tube for signs of collaspe. I they have collapsed, where can I find out what the original dimensions were. Do these components need to be replaced or can they be repaired.

Bill

[Jack H.]

Re: C-3 Tilt-Tele Steering Column Question

The column IS intended to collapse under front end collision. The center shaft is held in the outside jacket by interference fit ball bearings. This is covered in the chassis service manual, if memory serves.

A common complaint of the bargain columns acquired at swap meets is they're mysteriously 'short' when installation is attempted. This is because the center shaft did it's thing under prior collision and collapsed.

Regaining factory original geometry CAN be done by clamping the column and 'coaxing' the centershaft down/out the jacket. Either send the column out to one who restores them or fabricate your own fixture for the end of the shaft to 'coax' against with hammer or hydraulic press.

You'll know you have the correct/original geometry when the shaft bottoms AND on trial installation, the column lines up nice and tight with the rag joint coupler.

[Bill Lloyd #33481]

Thanks *NM*