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Old 04-19-2015, 10:48 PM   #1
schetk
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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?
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Old 04-20-2015, 09:25 AM   #2
1963c-10
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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?
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Old 04-20-2015, 10:16 AM   #3
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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?
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Old 04-20-2015, 11:36 AM   #4
sambrutay
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Re: Loose steering wheel

lower column see #19
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Old 04-20-2015, 05:30 PM   #5
schetk
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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?
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Old 04-20-2015, 10:22 PM   #6
vince1
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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.
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Old 04-21-2015, 02:47 PM   #7
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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.
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Old 05-23-2015, 05:26 PM   #8
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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.
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Old 05-24-2015, 11:52 AM   #9
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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.
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Old 05-27-2015, 08:53 PM   #10
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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------
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Old 11-03-2017, 04:54 PM   #11
63 Burb
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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?
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Old 11-05-2017, 04:07 PM   #12
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Any movement in the wheel from side to side is the upper bearing.
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Old 11-07-2017, 09:09 AM   #13
63 Burb
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvrfoot View Post
Any movement in the wheel from side to side is the upper bearing.
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Old 11-07-2017, 09:17 AM   #14
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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.
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Old 12-02-2021, 02:26 PM   #15
dmulally
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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.
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Old 12-02-2021, 03:11 PM   #16
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmulally View Post
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.
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"I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson
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Old 12-02-2021, 05:28 PM   #17
dmulally
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Re: Loose steering wheel

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Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98 View Post
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?
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Old 12-02-2021, 09:57 PM   #18
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmulally View Post
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
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1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive
Overdrive wiring here
1963-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
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Old 12-05-2021, 10:17 PM   #19
dmulally
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98 View Post
https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...n-rebuild.html
I have not done one yet, but this should help you out
Interesting! Thanks mate.
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Old 12-05-2021, 10:38 PM   #20
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmulally View Post
Interesting! Thanks mate.
Happy to help!
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1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive
Overdrive wiring here
1963-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
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Old 12-07-2021, 04:52 PM   #21
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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.
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Old 12-08-2021, 09:24 PM   #22
G8rN@te61
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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?
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Old 12-08-2021, 09:55 PM   #23
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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.
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Old 12-08-2021, 09:58 PM   #24
G8rN@te61
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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?
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Old 12-08-2021, 10:03 PM   #25
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Re: Loose steering wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by G8rN@te61 View Post
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....
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1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive
Overdrive wiring here
1963-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
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