Steering column coupler w/rag joint

[John A.]

The bolt on the coupler(at the steering box side)can't be tightened any more against the splines on the shaft. I see that Eckler has one for a 63 but the tightening bolt doesn't look the same. It is called an"upgrade". Does anyone know if this item will work for me? Are there any other parts(I.e.the splined steering shaft) that should also be replaced? I drive this car daily in the summer on the interstate and w
ant it to be safe.

[Peter H.]

Re: Steering column coupler w/rag joint

John i used a lock washer under the bolt because like you i ran out of threads good luck ..peter .

[Stuart F.]

Re: Steering column coupler w/rag joint

How is it possible to run out of threads unless the coupling was removed several times or tightening was done as a matter of routine maintenance??

My 63 is fine and it was only disassembled once in about 1976 by me.

Stu Fox

[John A.]

Re: Steering column coupler w/rag joint

How is it possible to run out of threads unless the coupling was removed several times or tightening was done as a matter of routine maintenance??

My 63 is fine and it was only disassembled once in about 1976 by me.

Stu Fox

Reply: The coupling was never removed to my knowledge and I've had the car for 47 years. For some reason the bolt that squezes the end of the coupling against the splines on the shaft will can't be tightened any more. Perhaps corrosion has eaten away some of the metal on the splines? At any rate, the new one from Eckler appears to have a different bolt tightening arrangement. Can't quite envision how it works without having it in my hand. Maybe l'll just irder one and see how it works.

[Michael H.]

Re: Steering column coupler w/rag joint

John,

The problem you describe is common. The splines are worn and the pinch bolt is only threaded about half way and you have run out of threads. There are two fixes. (patches)
Run a tap over the bolt and create at least one more thread. Or, (better) install a small AN washer under the bolt head. The AN washer will be exactly the same size as the flange on the head of the bolt so it won't be obvious.