Steering shaft problem...Please help.

[jhammel85]

While installing a steering extension on my truck (due to a 3" BL), I ran into a problem with some play in the upper steering shaft...

The steering shaft extention did not go into place nicely so I used some kroil and a hammer to get it into place. I telescoped the shaft back inside the hole in the steering shaft. When I pulled it out, I found a lock washer hanging on the shaft and a bearing that was pushed up against some kind of seat.

Why question is, what do a do now? how can I put these things back or where can I get new parts? I don't know how to put the shaft back in at this point. I feel that if I did, I may not seat the bearing properly.

I tested the truck and drove it around slowly with no problems what so ever. Nothing ever moved, nothing ever shifted or bound up. Its just that there is some play in the shaft now.

Any one have any advise? Thought things may feel OK at the moment at the wheel, this is nothing to take lightly.

 

[Earl43P]

Not familiar with what you describe, but it takes a lot more torque than you might expect on those pinch bolts. Since you installed an extension, I'd re-tighten both of those pinch joint bolts.

I can look at my 90 tomorrow, might see what you are talking about. All I can recall is a rubber piece. Take a look at this:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fr/full.aspx?Page=105 NVM, that's all upper.

 

[bobbywalter]

you popped the lower bearing out

easiest way to deal with it is to pull the column and and pour the airkroil to it while tapping the shaft in and pulling it out....work it real good....hose it out with brake clean taking care not to brake cleen the bearing and get some dry lube and dope it all up good with that.

reseat the bearing in place, if the kep ring is salvagable you can attempt to use it alone. i usually drill the sides below where the bearing seats and put 1/4 bolt with a locknut on either side with a heavy washer supporting the bearing so the lil bastard stays put.

 

[jhammel85]

Thanks to both of you for helping me out. I appreciate it!


I do have two questions...

- Is there anyway to get that back in without removing the steering collumn? I'll do it if I have to.


- Right now, the truck feels plenty safe except that at the upper shaft there is some play...Not a lot, but some. I was wondering if you would consider it safe to drive until I can pull the entire steering column to do this.
Like I said...The truck feels great, drives great but I just don't want to chance anything. Frankly, I think it will be OK.

I'll post up a picture of it tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

[bobbywalter]

you can...i have...its probably not out all the way. tap it with a drift right where it rides on the shaft.

what happens is when your ripping on it off road you will pop it right out and it with flop around, make floppy sounds and piss you off.

with the aerostar shaft type mod its a non issue as you just fit it...and if it does come loose theres usually no binding. obviously it can get bound up if the bolt gets up into the base of the column hole....never had a problem that way though.


the risk is yours to ponder

 

[jhammel85]

Yeah I mean, it seems OK but I thought I should ask. What your describing is what I've noticed too.

Thanks again for your help!