1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

[Ray C.]

I replaced the upper steering mast bearing with an NOS bearing. I have only driven the 63 for about 40 miles and noticed considerable up and down and side to side movement with the steering wheel. I pulled the wheel last evening to find the movement was in the upper bearing. Has anyone had this problem or did I install something wrong. I have just ordered an after-market bearing and will check it against the NOS bearing.

Thanks for any help!

Ray
#36314

[Kenneth S.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

There is a sleeve that goes around the steering column and fits into the upper bearing. You can see a picture of it on page 159 (Sec. 9 Sheet 5.00, Item #6) of the assembly manual. If that sleeve is missing I think you would get the play you are describing.
Ken

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

With a new bearing if installed correctly you shouldn't notice movenment. Just below the lower bearing there is a spring and a clamp. This should eliminate any movement when tightned. If you go to the Long Island Corvette web site they have a pretty good diagram of the column and all the parts.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

Ray, a photo of the sleeve that Ken references.

Harry

[Ray C.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

Thanks for the responses!

I believe that I have everything assembled correctly. I printed the diagram from Long Island Corvette and everything seems to be in sequence. There seems to be a great deal of play in the bearing it self. The exterior of the bearing/ horn contact ring fit snugly into the mast. If you move the steering shaft up and down or side to side you can view a great deal of play in the bearing. I then installed the sleeve, steering wheel hub and torque to specs. The same amount of play still exist. the last thing that I did was to tightened the lower clamp/spring to specs. I believe that the problem is in the bearing, but do not want to install another bearing if I have done something wrong.

Thanks for all the help!

Ray

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

Ray, if the setup is anything close to that of a C1, you may have a worn steering shaft. I experienced this also when replacing the upper bearing on my 54. I had to replace the shaft.

Joe

[Joe M.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

Ray,

I recall having a loose column problem that I resolved by adjusting the spring loaded clamp at the firewall in the engine compartment. Had to play around with a few times before I got it right.

Joe

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Upper Steering Mast Bearing

Ray,

In addition to what others have mentioned, it is also important that you loosen the pinch bolt at the steering coupler when attempting to adjust the shaft. If the shaft is not allowed to enter the coupler further, this will automatically force the shaft toward the rear and not allow the bearing to seat properly. In other words, if the position of the shaft is fixed and not able to move, adding tension at the spring will have no effect on the position of the shaft. If the shaft is already at it's full forward position and won't move further forward, you can also loosen the steering column jacket and move the jacket toward the rear, which will close up the clearance in the bearing.