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Steering bearings? Or something worse

pparker

pparker

1/2 ton status
Joined
Apr 12, 2020
Posts
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Location
Texas
Truck hasnt been run, but the steering column has already been gone through a few months ago, this three bolts were locktited in. Had to put new turn signals and run new wires down it.

So yesterday i was backing it out of the shop and had to turn the wheels, no power steering, and could hear crunching. And notice the wheel getting further away from column. Now there is a ton of play, not sure what is broke yet just curious anyone had ideas.

This video shows the play now, before was zero. Can also see gap between wheel and column maybe 1/4” that was there just before a few turns to roll outside shop to rinse off and roll back in.
View attachment IMG_7030.MOV
 
I would guess that the lower bearing for the upper shaft came apart, but the joint to the lower shaft must have come apart as well, since the wheel turns so easily.
At least it didn't do this when you were out on the road!
 
Yes im glad it happened now for sure. This thing has been used for a handle to get in for many years. Guy we got it from was handicapped and used it like crazy, and my dad did aswell he is also handicapped.

Yall think this whole column is junk? Or just redo bearings?
 
Yes it does seem like the two halves of the shaft may have come apart. Idk how that could happen thou. I have had them apart and back together it is difficult to do.
Check the lower connection in engine compartment. This connection can allow the shaft to move if loose.
Make sure the heavy spring under the horn/lock ring, has the cone shaped metal ring facing down into the bearing.
 
How did you take the wheel off to repair the turn signals???

puller tool? or a tool pulling on it and hammering towards self?
 
isn't there an upper u joint thing in tilt columns?? if you yanked and pulled hard enough on the wheel, could you damage it?

-trying to think what could come loose on the top end all of a sudden after having the wheel off the column? you also mention not having power steering... possible that upper joint was worn and popped as you strong armed through the resistance?
 
i did not use a puller, im not sure but i can tell it was slowly breaking more everytime i made slight turns to zigzag it out and back in shop. Its still not running, couple weeks should have it pretty close to driving but this is one more thing. I guess ill have to pull it apart and hopefully be able to tell what got messed up. Maybe it didnt get put back together right. Or just worn out or mixture of everything.
 
I got a feeling its that Plastic Ujoint up inside there, bearings shouldnt give it play as far as turning the wheel and not turning the shaft. Ive watched a few videos looks like its a pain to replace that plastic joint. Has a spring inside. Supposedly there is a tool for it
 
There are 2 bearings on the upper shaft. They hold the steering wheel, but yes, they wouldn't be what is causing it to spin freely.
 
I have done that plastic joint ball, PITA no tool. Only had 1 apart and was a long time ago so I can't say how I did it, I know swearing was involved
 
Wes Harden said:
I have done that plastic joint ball, PITA no tool. Only had 1 apart and was a long time ago so I can't say how I did it, I know swearing was involved
Click to expand...
Haha i got a feeling thats what its going to be like.
 
Wes Harden said:
I have done that plastic joint ball, PITA no tool. Only had 1 apart and was a long time ago so I can't say how I did it, I know swearing was involved
Click to expand...
I have taken a couple of used ones apart to clean and grease them. It was never a problem. But I have always ran into good used ones, never any new. But the lower shaft was disconnected from the intermediate shaft so that it would slide upward. Gotta have the shafts 90* to each other to disconnect. ( in case anyone wonders)
 
6872xtc said:
I have taken a couple of used ones apart to clean and grease them. It was never a problem. But I have always ran into good used ones, never any new. But the lower shaft was disconnected from the intermediate shaft so that it would slide upward. Gotta have the shafts 90* to each other to disconnect. ( in case anyone wonders)
Click to expand...
Thats good to know i will disconect the bottom. Only one good video online of this or actualy only one i can find and its actually good, but he had trouble i think he just pryed off.

 
That stupid plastic ball is a bitch. I was fixing the column (lower bolts loosened up) in my uncle's truck and kept having to go deeper into it and somehow I got the ball seperated. What a pain in the ass to get that back together. I had to jack the truck up and turn the wheels because the way the fork was, it was hitting the column housing and wouldn't let me get the ball back in together. Did I mention I hate that thing? ugh.
 
swettysblazer said:
That stupid plastic ball is a bitch. I was fixing the column (lower bolts loosened up) in my uncle's truck and kept having to go deeper into it and somehow I got the ball seperated. What a pain in the ass to get that back together. I had to jack the truck up and turn the wheels because the way the fork was, it was hitting the column housing and wouldn't let me get the ball back in together. Did I mention I hate that thing? ugh.
Click to expand...
Sounds like im in for some fun. Im gonna try to buy the tool. If mine is broke prob good idea for alot of folks to replace, that would be super dangerous if you were driving.
 
They make an upgraded one from a corvette or something like that. They're on the web if yo google them.
 
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