Steering wheel's loose

[mcditalia]

My steering wheel seems to have gotten loose. It moves around slightly if I move it up and down. The steering column is fine, but the wheel itself has loosened a bit. I figure I have to pop the horn button off to tighten it. Anyone know how to do that? I know if I experiment trying to remove it, I'll probably break something.

Thanks MC

 

[youwish2bme]

You've probably gotten a broken steering tube, mine was doing this and some other things so I pulled the thing apart. Needless to say I replaced everything while in there but didn't order the tube. So I had to drive 3 hrs round trip to get the tube so I could drive home. The tube has three tangs on the end of it and I've now been told they tend to break over time. Ie. getting in/out and using the steering wheel as a crutch it puts a lot of stress on the end of the steering tube. It's like 90 bucks for a new tube. It may not be that but if I were a bettin man I'd say yes. Dave..

 

[JohnZ]

If it's just the wheel moving, and not the outer column tube, it's probably the upper bearing that needs replacing.

 

[mcditalia]

Any ideas on how to take the horn button off the wheel to get a better look inside?


Thanks for the replies, MC

 

[Davo]

I just completely rebuilt my column as well. To take the horn button off, just grab it with your hand and pull.

Your problem does sound like the bearing and you can fix that easy. However, you will need a wheel/pully puller to remove the steering wheel.

Let us know if you need more help.

Dave

 

[Pillman7]

I know this might sound mundane, but if I understand your problem correctly it may be that the screws that hold the steering wheel to the column may be loose. I had a similar problem with mine and if you grasped the steering wheel it could be moved by applying pressure in a upward or downward motion. To remedy my problem I went to the hardware store and purchased screws that were just slightly longer than the ones I had and viola, they tightened up nicely and no more play in my steering wheel. Hope this helps.

 

[mcditalia]

I just completely rebuilt my column as well. To take the horn button off, just grab it with your hand and pull.

:eek

Huh, that's it? Sure I'm not going to break somehing? Do I twist in any given direction?

Thanks, MC

 

[youwish2bme]

It just pop's off it's held on with friction. You don't need to twist, pull towards you and it will come off... Dave..

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

I just replaced my steering wheel on my '66 with a teakwood wheel and I didn't need a steering wheel puller. Just a phillips screwdriver. Pop the horn off the center of the steering wheel by pulling it straight off. You can use a popcicle stick or something to pry it a bit if it doesn't want to come off. If you remove the wheel be mindful of the horn button which is spring loaded. If you're not careful you'll be looking for the spring and the button over a pretty wide area. Boing! If your screws are all tight you have other problems as previoulsy stated in other responses.

 

[Montana]

get some pictures

It's all of the above and more if yours turns out to be like mine. Get some free catalogs (Corvette Central, Ecklers for pictures and parts breakdown and purchase) and an assembly manual. You may need a steering wheel hub puller (highly recommended). While you are working on this assembly be sure to check your lower bearing (the race on mine had come off and worn through half the steering column shaft!). It's also a good idea to check your "rag joint" (steering column coupler) for wear and replace if needed. Your steering column tube will most likely be broken too. One thing to bear in mind......You only want to take this assembly apart once, so check and replace every part that needs it. Pack your upper bearing full of fresh grease too. After I went through my steering assembly, that car was tight! OH! OH!

Good luck, Montana