Loose steering wheel

[schetk]

I have a 63 c10. I took the column apart to paint. Floor shift
The middle section with turn signal is tight. But when I puth the horn contact bearing piece on, seems to be tight, but after I tighten wheel, I get a loose steering wheel ? The 60-66 manual shows a spring somewhere but I don't remember having one, what am I doing wrong?

[1963c-10]

The only spring I'm aware of internally is the horn plunger and the spring for the shift arm on an auto or column shift. Is it just the steering wheel that's loose? I'd think it might be a missing insulator.

Is it the standard wheel or the custom wheel? And was it tight prior to disassembly for paint?

[Figuarus]

you're sure it's not in the gear box or the tie rods? when you say loose, do you have wobble in the wheel, or during rotational movement?

[sambrutay]

lower column see #19

[schetk]

the steering wheel it self has movement in all directions after i tigthten the nut #29.
it is tight on the shaft but feels like it moves an 1/8 th inch in either direction.
on the chart picture you sent, it feels solid through number# 36 signal housing, but i guess the upper bearing is all there, is there a test for how much slack should be here?
also, is there an adjustment on #18 through #26 at the other end?

[vince1]

If the upper and lower bearing are good and the spring 19 is under compression from the coupling clamp and bolt below it, the steering wheel will not be loose.

[AnlaufJohn]

I have a loose steering wheel, too, and I suspect my upper bearing has slipped out of the turn signal switch. I have a new switch/bearing kit and hopefully, this new one will allow the cancel function resume its purpose in my truck.
In the photo, I am referring to #34 & #33.

[Metalaroundstone]

See my post "When is a steering shaft toast" that I posted today to see what a bad lower bearing can do to your steering shaft. My steering wheel seemed to have too much side-to-side play, but the upper bearing looked okay. I just got around to checking the lower bearing, which was totally disintegrated. I imagine you could check this bearing visually by loosening the pinch nut and pulling back the clamp and spring and using a mirror and flashlight to look up into the bottom of the tube. Maybe there is an easier way, but this certainly would have identified that my lower bearing was missing all the ball bearings, and my shaft had been eaten away.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Often the lower brg. gets stuck to the shaft. It needs to float to allow the spring to take up the slack.

[wilbur46]

Hey,
Stock steering columns will drive you nuts.
There are 3 eras, 60-62,63,64-66.
Then there are 4spd, 3 on tree, powerglide and hydromatic versions.
The 60-66 assembly manual is you only hope for a clear understanding of all the pieces in there correct order.
The illustration posted is (unfortunately) not of a 63 column, it is a 67-72 no tilt.
Both my 65s are jimmyed together right now too.
The parts sellers have no idea what you need.
If your 63 has a sheet metal can for the turn signal assembly, be sure it has twisted/ locked into the mast jacket slots before putting the turn signal assembly in and twist it to the right as you tighten the screws.
Sorry about no pics, but I am trying to find one example of everything and I'm gonna do a FAQ (or whatever)
Meanwhile------

[63 Burb]

I’ve tried holding turn signal can in place while tightening.
There are 3 slots for can, one of mine is broken off, other than replacing whole column, I don’t know if there’s a fix?
Posted via Mobile Device

[rvrfoot]

Any movement in the wheel from side to side is the upper bearing.

[63 Burb]

Originally Posted by rvrfoot

Any movement in the wheel from side to side is the upper bearing.

Posted via Mobile Device

[63 Burb]

I’ve changed that bearing, all tight when assembled.
This model is a 3 on the tree, when you shift, the turn signal section rotates down and and comes off tabs that hold it in place.
There are 3 tabs one is broken off.
Posted via Mobile Device

[dmulally]

Seems I'm not the first person to have this problem. I have changed the bearings and even machined a flat washer to hold it in all in place. With the nut done up tight I still get play.

Does anybody have a cheat code to fix the play? My C20 failed a roadworthy check on it.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by dmulally

Seems I'm not the first person to have this problem. I have changed the bearings and even machined a flat washer to hold it in all in place. With the nut done up tight I still get play.

Does anybody have a cheat code to fix the play? My C20 failed a roadworthy check on it.

Did you adjust the spring at the lower bearing? That should help with side to side or up and down play. If you're getting excessive rotational play when turning the wheel back and forth, it's most likely in the steering gear if you haven't done anything with that yet.

[dmulally]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Did you adjust the spring at the lower bearing? That should help with side to side or up and down play. If you're getting excessive rotational play when turning the wheel back and forth, it's most likely in the steering gear if you haven't done anything with that yet.

Thanks. I just ordered a new lower bearing and already have a reco' steering box. It is just at the steering wheel end. I can move it all directions about 1/4".

Any tips for changing the lower bearing replacement?

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by dmulally

Thanks. I just ordered a new lower bearing and already have a reco' steering box. It is just at the steering wheel end. I can move it all directions about 1/4".

Any tips for changing the lower bearing replacement?

https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...n-rebuild.html
I have not done one yet, but this should help you out

[dmulally]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...n-rebuild.html
I have not done one yet, but this should help you out

Interesting! Thanks mate.

[forestb]

The column should just be a solid rod. So unless the bolt is not tightened all the way down on the wheel I would guess it is not the column. Have you checked the rag joint? It could also be your steering linkage and bushings. I would check all those things first before I look into the steering box. But in my experience it is usually the steering box.

[G8rN@te61]

I saw mention of bearings in the columns so it made me wonder. I suppose I need someone to turn wheel and see how much the column moves vs the steering linkage?

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by G8rN@te61

I saw mention of bearings in the columns so it made me wonder. I suppose I need someone to turn wheel and see how much the column moves vs the steering linkage?

If you don't have someone to turn the wheel for you, and you don't have fresh paint on the steering shaft, some vice grips clamped down will allow you to turn it from underneath the fender.
Also check to see if your frame is cracked around the box. That can cause a feeling of looseness. I need to fix the cracks I found recently....