04-19-2015, 10:48 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Augusta, MO
Posts: 4
|
Loose steering wheel
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? |
04-20-2015, 09:25 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: fayetteville nc
Posts: 10,338
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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?
__________________
1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer Last edited by 1963c-10; 05-28-2015 at 08:40 AM. |
04-20-2015, 10:16 AM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 346
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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?
__________________
2013 Malibu LTZ 1996 C1500 4.3/5spd 2wd |
04-20-2015, 11:36 AM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Louisville KY
Posts: 622
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
lower column see #19
__________________
Bruce 1964 C10 SWB #Junk 1979 C10 utility #cargopants (sold) 1971 GMC Sprint (sold) 1974 GMC Grande Sierra (sold) |
04-20-2015, 05:30 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Augusta, MO
Posts: 4
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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? |
04-20-2015, 10:22 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary Alberta
Posts: 1,170
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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.
|
04-21-2015, 02:47 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lebanon, Oregon
Posts: 130
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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.
__________________
Eugene, Oregon Lucy's Limousine 1966 C-10 LWB 283 w/ 2bbl, OE carb and dist. 4 spd (granny 1st) w/ 3.73 rear end |
05-23-2015, 05:26 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 205
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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.
|
05-24-2015, 11:52 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,229
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Often the lower brg. gets stuck to the shaft. It needs to float to allow the spring to take up the slack.
|
05-27-2015, 08:53 PM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Sebastopol, Ca.
Posts: 46
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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------ |
11-03-2017, 04:54 PM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Whitby Ontario
Posts: 3
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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 |
11-05-2017, 04:07 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: san bernardino ca
Posts: 1,611
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Any movement in the wheel from side to side is the upper bearing.
|
11-07-2017, 09:09 AM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Whitby Ontario
Posts: 3
|
|
11-07-2017, 09:17 AM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Whitby Ontario
Posts: 3
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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 |
12-02-2021, 02:26 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Shannon, New Zealand
Posts: 31
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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. |
12-02-2021, 03:11 PM | #16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Quote:
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
12-02-2021, 05:28 PM | #17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Shannon, New Zealand
Posts: 31
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Quote:
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? |
|
12-02-2021, 09:57 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Quote:
I have not done one yet, but this should help you out
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
12-05-2021, 10:17 PM | #19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Shannon, New Zealand
Posts: 31
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Quote:
|
|
12-05-2021, 10:38 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
12-07-2021, 04:52 PM | #21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 3,619
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
I was having the same problem I found that the plastic tube that was bolted to the back of my steering wheel was not being pushed far enough into the bearing in the turn signal switch. what I did to correct it was add a spacer in between the steering wheel and the plastic tube and that made it go in further. The plastic tube is like a round wedge that keeps the wheel centered in the bearing. After looking at the previously posted link I think I realized that I am missing a bushing that goes in between the turn signal switch and the bottom of the cup that houses the turn signal switch. I also tried installing a brass bushing in between the shaft and smaller housing that it goes into but that caused my horn be on all the time. Here is the link to the tread that I started on the subject.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...teering+column Last edited by forestb; 12-07-2021 at 05:24 PM. |
12-08-2021, 09:24 PM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Posts: 203
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Mine has like 4" of play in the steering. I assumed it is the steering box. is there a way to see if its the column vs the box that is the issue?
|
12-08-2021, 09:55 PM | #23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 3,619
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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.
|
12-08-2021, 09:58 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Posts: 203
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
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?
|
12-08-2021, 10:03 PM | #25 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,488
|
Re: Loose steering wheel
Quote:
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....
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|