I am trying to re--install the steering column in my 72 (without tilt).  I have read all the Jim Shea papers on steps to be taken etc.  but I am stopped at step 1- inserting the steering column splined end into the rag joint.  I did replace the rag joint with a reproduction (just like the old one) and I also made sure it is installed on the steering gear as far as possible towards the steering column so I have enough room to insert the column spline.  However the steering column spline does not seem to want to go far enough into the rag joint to allow the tightening bolt to capture the flat on the spline.  It goes in about a 1/4 or 1/2 inch but not enough.  I have triple checked that there is nothing in the way at the firewall and even applied a little lithium grease on the splines to encourage it to slip in.  There is an insulating seal or gasket on the plate that bolts up to the firewall but it is the same one that I removed from the car.  Don't want to hammer on the column because I know there are pins in it that will shear that allow it collapse in a crash.  I can't move the rag joint any further towards the column either.   Any ideas?  Sorry for the long post!

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Mario

One of Jim Shea's papers covers this problem.  It could be that your column has collapsed a little due to an accident or whatever.  He tells you how long it should be, and how to pull it back out if need be.  Search the internet for Jim Shea Corvette Steering.

Yep that's what I was thinking.....is all the shaft lenght out of the column?

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LIFETIME MEMBER 151

+1 on the shaft prolly already being shoved up into the column. Don't take much to move them, unless you WANT it to move....then they act like they're welded or something.
I would suggest removing the column, and trying to pull the shaft back out an inch or so. There are no pins in it...just nylon bushings that allow it to recede up into column in the event of a front end collision. The nylon is poured in while melted, and there are some indentations that it flows into to help hold the shaft in the proper spot, but those usually will shear rather easily, allowing the shaft to move. It does NOT effect the safety of the column if the shaft moves in or out. You might get a rattle out of it if the bushings are just slap wore out, but that's aboot it.

hth

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Ha! It exists, or should I say it's been the bane of my existence - torturous having it sitting there and not being able to enjoy it.  I did check the length of the column exposed from bearing retainer and it does match the spec on Jim Shea's papers - 4.5".  Finally got the shaft into the rag joint enough for the retaining bolt to engage the "flat" on the steering column, I've seen pics online and they do not typically show 100% of the column spline or the steering gear spline inserted into the rag joint so I guess it's OK.  Also had a hard time getting the two support bolts up into the sliding bracket.  Had to really apply upward pressure, hope I didn't ruin anything.  The only possibility I can think of is that the instrument cluster and dash have all been our for years and it looked like the vinyl lost it's shape some.  When I put the cluster back in you could see the spacing around the tacjh and speedo was not even all around the circumference, now that the steering column is bolted up it is conforming better.  Could it be that the various angles of the instrument cluster and the the play in the mounting of all the various pieces that have to bolt together resulted in the difficult alignment of the column and insertion into the rag joint?  Here's a picture.

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Mario

 Pictures can be deceiving..looks like the rag joint needs to be engaged a little farther on both ends... Might just be the pic.
Has the car been sitting up in the air on jack stands for a long time, Mario? If so, it's possible the frame has sagged down in the front, making the distance between the gearbox and the column a little farther apart than "normal". Just a thought.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

As a matter of fact...it has been up on jack stands for some time (a year or two?)  I supported it with 4 jack stands on the frame just behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels per the shop manual so not sure about sagging but I guess anything is possible.  I was going to leave the column install bolts loose until I get it back on the ground (or actually on race ramps so I can still get under it!)  Do you recommend I loosen the rag bolt retaining bolts (the 12 point ones) before lowering onto the wheels?  Thanks.

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Mario

That's prolly it. With the stands back there, the frame can sag from the jackstands forward. It's best(when possible) to put the front stands under the front control arms for extended lengths of time, but it ain't always possible....especially if yer doing suspension werk!

I would say yeah, leave the bolts/fasteners loose until ya get it back on the ground, and let it settle for a few days. Won't hurt anything, and might just put everything back in the correct position.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Well, she's back on the ground, but I didnt have a chance to let it "settle for a few days" as I need to bring it to my mechanic while I am moving residences.  There was no immediate change in the amount the shafts went into the rag joint when I put it down so I had to tighten up the joint and send her on her way.  For Ebo here's "proof of life"  (actually I should have a dated newspaper in the picture!)

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Mario

OK Here's an update to this issue, had my mechanic check on the column and he admits it does look like it's at an odd angle to the instrument cluster but he checked and said it is installed correctly per the AIM.  Look at the picture below.  Tight squeeze between the bottom of the wheel and the seat and the seat is all the way back!  The column looks like it needs to be "rotated up" (the steering wheel end moved closer to the top of the dash)  Any ideas? 

See ebo, I am trying to get it done in time for the annual gathering!


 

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Mario

She's purty.