C2 steering column item

[Steve D.]

63 convertible

There is a brass, 2-piece, spring-loaded rod mounted inside the signal canceling cam. In the 63 AIM, it is shown on Sect 12 Sheet B-7 as Item 25 and is labeled "brush". What is its function? I put an ohmeter across it to check continuity, and it has to be compressed significantly to make a connection.

Steve

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 steering column item

Steve,

I believe you are talking about the horn contact assembly and it allows the wheel to be turned while maintaining constant contact with the brass ring that's part of the upper bearing.

When the horn button is depressed the ground is completed and "BEEP"

I need to edit my answer to read the contact assembly is what breaks and completes the ground when the horn button is depressed. The brush you refer to keeps constant contact as stated above.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 steering column item

Tim

Thanks. It makes sense now. I didn't have the upper bearing in place. But now the question is how is the upper bearing secured. There is a lower bearing assembly the fits into the end of the steering mast jacket. This assembly has the horn wire soldered to it, so somehow the upper bearing assembly has to make contact with the lower assembly, but I am not seeing how. In fact, I can't find the lower bearing show in AIM Sect 9 on steering. I hate to appear thick, but...

Steve

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 steering column item

Steve,

There are two bearings, the lower is just above the rag joint under the hood inserted into the end of the mast jacket (no wires here). The upper bearing has the green wire and it's also inserted into the mast jacket at the top. The brass ring and green wire is part of the upper bearing.

The horn ground is from the horn relay into the main harness and up through the green wire which is attached to the brass ring. At that point through the brush to the contact assembly. When you push the horn button, the ground is completed through the contact assembly to the hub and down to the frame by the steering shaft through the rag joint to steering box to frame to battery negative. "Beep"!

I remember when I put my column together the AIM was not as clear but once you do a 63 you will remember.. I think 63 Corvette is the only year this column assembly is used but I know the upper bearing is the same as early Chevrolet.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 steering column item

Tim

I think I have it now. I replaced the upper bearing sometime back and was mistakenly trying to double up with the old bearing. The other problem I found was that the steering column tube was not adjusted properly so the "brush" and the bearing were not in contact. I made the necessary adjustment to the position of the tube and now it will go Beep.
Thanks for your help.

Steve

[Steve C.]

Re: C2 steering column item

63 Roadster

I tried to install the upper bearing w/ horn wire into the top of the column tube but ended up destroying the part. How do you safely install the part w/o damaging it? Its got a rubber grommet around it and fits very tightly into the tube. I hate to assume but shouldn't this part seat all the way down on the tube? Help! I also can't find a good diagram that shows the proper placement of the upper spring and seat that comes in the bearing package.
Thanks! Steve