Steering column

[Mike Sasser]

I need to rebuild my 65 standard steering column. I have checked the shop manual and it doesn't seem to complicated as long as I carefully take it apart to clean and replace bearings. Is is more difficult than it looks? I did check on a price to get it overhauled and it was $250-450. It seems like I could do it for much less. I need some expert advice.

[Jeff Whitney]

Re: Steering column

I recently rebuildt the coloumn on my 66 --65 should not be much different -- take your time and buy new bearings -- they are not much and when you are done you know that it is right -- on mine the lower bearing was so worn that it fell apart into small pieces when removed -- I needed to replace the shaft as the worn lower bearing caused an indent in the shaft to be groved to the point that the new bearing would not "set" onto the shaft -- I found a nos shaft and new bearing did the repair. The task is not difficult at all -- quite straight forward - other than wrenches you will need a wheel puller for the steering wheel -- Good Luck

[Wayne K.]

Re: Steering column

I had my 67 column rebuilt by a local frame shop. This would be different than your column but after seeing it all apart I wished I would have did it myself. I paid $150 plus parts which was fair and I got a good job but I know I could have done it myself after seeing what there was to it.

[George R.]

Re: Steering column

Mike:

Do yourself a little prev/mnts. and pull the two wire harness connections from the fire wall that connect to the fuse box since your going to be in the
neighborhood with the steering mnts.

I found these to be corroded on my 67 when I disconnected them. They are plugged into the fuse box by a top and lower plastic snap which is part of the male fitting or wire harness assy. Mark each harness so they go back right into the connectors correctly. Clean with some electra aerosol. If you have a small fine wire brass bush or even a tooth brush try to remove as much corrosion as possible, but be gentle. The connections are very fragile so use caution if you see corrosion.

This corrossion problem stopped me dead in the water on the freeway last year and I had to get flat bedded home. Just flat died, nothing without warning. I was lucky I was able to figure it out but angy with myself I didn't check these connections before and clean them or at minimum check that the snaps are tight and plugged in tight.

Just a thought since your working in the area. Dead giveaway is no power to anything, interior lights, ignition etc. You may want to pocket for future refs.

Good luck
grr333570

[Mike Sasser]

Thanks

I'm going to rebuild it myself, don't go anywhere just in case I need help :-)