Steering column seal

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rkjjeep

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I just picked up a very nice 65 barracuda. Noticed on first drive hot air from engine compartment blowing into car when moving. The seal that seals the actual steering shaft to the column in the engine compartment is missing. I;m guessing I have to separate the column from the deat ro put on a new one. IS there a how-to? Thanks
 
As with anything there is the RIGHT way to do something and then there's a much easier way. You have to decide which you want to do. And there will be many people on this site that will be very critical whichever you decide!

Obviously the right was is to pull the column. but the seal is foam. One could very easily cut the foam in one place to allow the gasket to go around the column. If you loosened the column and pulled it back 1/2 inch the cut gasket could be placed around the column. If you put a light tack of #2 Permatex around the gasket (especially heavy where you cut it) It would permanently hold the foam seal in place and nobody would ever know the difference.
 
I think we're talking about a different seal. The one that seems to be missing on my car fits between the shaft and the column jacket in the engine compartment just rear of the coupling. The new ones seem to have a nylon collar or bearing in the middle that fits around the shaft. I've read as much as I can find. I can't find a how to that describes what I have to take apart to get the new one in there. The coupling sounds finicky. I'm guessing I pull the column and move it rearward but the coupling will be in the way of sliding the new seal on the shaft. Anybody else had to replace this? Thanks.
 
Yes that is a different seal. I was talking about the firewall foam seal which would let in much more warm air if bad,
 
Detroit Muscle, sponsor on the site here, they have the new seals.

They could help guide you on the how to also.
 
I would suggest both a parts and service manual for your 50+ year old mopar. Go to mymopar.com for download.
Theres quite a few threads on steering columns if you do a search.
 
I pulled the column on my 66 to replace the seal.
 
Another way that allows you to leave the column in place......

Most hardware stores have 'ceramic rope' in different diameters. It is normally used to replace fireplace door seals, but it can be spiral wound around the steering shaft & packed into place.
 
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