66 steering column jacket replacement

[kcclark66204]

My service manual says that to replace the column jacket, I must remover the steering shaft. When I look at it, it looks to me that I can remove tha jacket without removing the shaft. Am I wrong?

 

[Toms007]

KCClark, welcome to CAC. I see you are from OP. I have a couple daughters that live in the KC area. I can't help you with your question, but someone will be along soon that can help. I know that jackfit recently had his column out of his 66 doing some other repairs, maybe he can answer your question.

Stay tuned, I'll try to get in touch with Jack

 

[jackfit]

Steering column jacket

My service manual says that to replace the column jacket, I must remover the steering shaft. When I look at it, it looks to me that I can remove tha jacket without removing the shaft. Am I wrong?

Hi clark,

Give me a few moments to get some pictures together showing the procedure. Here is a post showing the column out.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...ion/135062-clutch-pedal-pivot-rod-repair.html

I will find a post that explains how to take it out. Very . Simple all the parts are on the table in one of the pictures . I post instructions in a little while

The parts that support the column are on the left in this picture, in order

http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/... Repair/6ClutchPedalRepair021_zpsf84c99aa.jpg.

You take out the steering knuckle bolt , only the column side , not the steering box. Make sure the car is parked straight and do not move it or turn wheels , once you loosen the column. You should have the flat side of the shaft facing up, (see photos) when you put the column and shaft back in, the splines should go back in the same place ( I mark the shaft through the slot in the steering knuckle, just put it back in same place and car will steer straight. that is under the assumption that the wheels were aimed straight when knuckle was put on, so that shaft / wheel, steering box shaft all are inline . For now , just make sure you put it back the same way .

You then take off the parts as I mention in post, firewall support, then under cluster , four bolts hold up column, (see parts on table) use a bungee or cord to hold up steering column , with support bolts out, I hook it on mirror or have someone hold it up. Then loosen clamps at end of shaft, have friend pull the column and shaft out of cluster, while you catch the clamp, spring and washer , as shaft and column go through firewall as one unit.

Once out, you have to take apart the column and hub , to get at just jacket. Look at Zip or Paragon , Corvette Central for diagram of how it is put together or AIM . Not hard, should only take about 45 minutes to take out column. take pictures of under cluster and support bolts, sign plugs at bottom of column etc. before you take anything apart. Very important...Pictures, you will not remember.



Jack

 

[Toms007]

Jack, thank you for checking in here. Your experience is very helpful.

 

[JohnZ]

My service manual says that to replace the column jacket, I must remover the steering shaft. When I look at it, it looks to me that I can remove tha jacket without removing the shaft. Am I wrong?

I can't imagine trying to change the steering column jacket (tube) without removing the internal shaft, bearings, etc. - it only takes about ten minutes to remove the column assembly from the car and work it on the bench where you have proper access for tools.

 

[kcclark66204]

I pulled the steering column off the steering shaft with the lower bearing sill in place with no problem. Maybe my experience is unique, but I loosened the lower clamp on the jacket, removed the steering wheel, wiring harness and the clamps holding it under the dash and pulled the jacket. I installed the new jacket, upper and lower bearings before sliding the jacket back onto the steering shaft. Every thing went back just the way it was before I started. Thanks for everyone's advice. It gave me the confidence to tackle the job.