Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

[Mark P.]

I am going to service/rebuild my standard steering column and will follow the AIM, 63 Shop Manual and the Steering Column Components document from Dave Zuberer.

Would most recommend replacing functional original parts with reproduction parts since those original parts are approaching 50 years old ? I want to avoid introducing new problems into my restoration because when I took it apart everything worked well.

Are there any other sources for the upper and lower bearings than what is available from CC, ZIP, Ecklers, etc ? Anyone have a US bearing they can recommend ?

Since all the rest of my wiring was replaced then I am thinking of installing the Lectric Limited turn signal assembly sold by CC with the upper bearing and column harness included.

My coupler reference marks when I took apart everything 10 years ago did not survive due to rust on the steering shaft. What is the best way to determine which spline position to install it ?

In Operations my horn didn't work at the 9 o'clock position. Would replacing the horn contact assembly usually fix that ?

Thanks,

Mark

[Dan B.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

It's a pretty easy job. If your tube is in good shape (no broken ears at the top, I'd replace the lower race and bearing at the bottom and possibly the upper bearing if its worn and clean & reuse the rest of the parts if they are OK. I used vendor parts for those and some other small stuff and it turned out fine. Examine the shaft at the bottom for scoring where it rides on the bearing.

If you have not taken the column out yet, simply scribe new marks on the shaft and coupler if everything is straight and to your liking now.

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Dan - the column is out so I lost my paint markings on the coupler.

I took it apart and found the lower bearing was mostly gone and the shaft has a large groove in it. The upper bearing is pretty wobbly so I will probably replace it.

Should I replace the shaft since it has a large groove ? CC has a US made shaft for $100 so I plan to get that.

I will replace turn signal assembly since the wiring has been repaired and is pretty stiff.

The tabs on the tube look fine, right ?Steering Col 1.jpgSteering Col 2.jpgSteering Col 4.jpgSteering Col 5.jpg

[Leif A.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Mark,
Might I recommend a turn signal switch made by Shee-Mar, Inc. They're an American company and all their products are made in the USA. High quality. All of their products can be purchased from Rock Auto.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4832&jsn=893

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Thank you Leif. That looks like exactly what I am looking for.

[Mike M.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

the steering shaft available thru corvette central is in fact made in the use by a very gifted machinist in prescott arizona. highly recommend replacing it since your original shaft is grooved from lower bearing failure. i lent the prescott guy a NOS SHAFT, STILL IN THE GM sealed tube. mike

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Mike - thanks for letting me know. That makes me feel a lot better.

Do you think once I install it I should just remove the hub and index it to the right steering wheel position after the alignment ? Thanks, Mark

[Dan B.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

[QUOTE=Mark Pellowski (49021);939207]Dan - the column is out so I lost my paint markings on the coupler.


Should I replace the shaft since it has a large groove ? CC has a US made shaft for $100 so I plan to get that.

QUOTE]

ABSOLUTELY replace that shaft, it's a safety issue as bad as it's worn

[Dennis C.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Mark, The intermittent horn operation you mentioned may be caused by the lower steering shaft to steering box coupler. When the top and bottom sections are bolted together you should have a ground path through it. You will see a small copper strip in the center of the coupler. The stripe is crushed under one of coupler rivets and gets oxidized . This can be tested by a Ohm meter or self powered test light. The easy fix is connect a jumper wire between the top and bottom section. Hope this helps.
Dennis.

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Thanks Dennis. I see the grounding strip and everything is now clean so it should ground better.

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

I have looked at the new lower bearing and housing from Corvette Central,

I have a couple questions:

1. should I press the lower bearing into the housing before installing it in the steering column tube ? There is a .008 interference fit and I would have to press it down about 3/16" more to seat. The Shop Manual does not cover this.
2. do I need to clean out all the grease from the lower bearing since I know there isn't enough and don't think I should mix grease ? There is a greenish black grease in there now. Would brake fluid with a spray nozzle tube be a good way to get that grease out ? There is a felt washer so I don't want to soak it in my parts tank


Thanks,

Mark

[Richard M.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Mark, Review the 64-66 Std Column Rebuild document in the...

Database of Restoration Documents Sticky....

Update page.

1964 -1966 Standard Steering Column Rebuild.pdf


Rich

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

Rich - thanks for pointing me to your rebuild document.

Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

I was able to take the lower bearing apart in a few minutes by gently prying down the oil seal retainer. I then cleaned it thoroughly and will be using synthetic bearing grease to assemble it. Any recommendations (i.e. Lucas, Redline red synthetic )?

[Richard M.]

Re: Steering Column Rebuild - 1965

I was able to take the lower bearing apart in a few minutes by gently prying down the oil seal retainer. I then cleaned it thoroughly and will be using synthetic bearing grease to assemble it. Any recommendations (i.e. Lucas, Redline red synthetic )?

Mark , Do you mean the thin metal retainer holding the felt seal, then prying the bearing out? If yes, yes that's another way to get the bearing out as opposed to using a long extention with a socket sized for the inner mast jacket/column tube. But did you also replace the bearing race? Those are typically rusted in pretty tightly.
Screenshot_2023-10-16-07-46-48.jpg

And yes any good bearing grease works, since it's low speed rotation.

Rich