Manual steering column moves side to side?

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71DodgeDemon340

71DodgeDemon340

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Hey all so i have a manual column with the steering wheel adapter and a tuff wheel. There is movement side to side but not up and down or in and out. The main part of the column is tight and does not move, the side to side movement is at the piece that the ignition switch and turn signal is in. Any thoughts? i pulled the steering wheel off but dont have a puller yet to get the tuff wheel adapter off. The steering wheel probably moves about 3/16” side to side
 
Have you checked the screws that holds the top collar to the bottom collar? 71 Demon right?
 
If you take the wheel off and wiggle the top collar you should be able to tell if they are loose. You may have to move the turn signal out of the way. I can’t remember if you have to or not.
 
SGBARRACUDA said:
If you take the wheel off and wiggle the top collar you should be able to tell if they are loose. You may have to move the turn signal out of the way. I can’t remember if you have to or not.
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Yeah cant see in there now, i will have to pick up a steering wheel puller to pull the tuff wheel adapter off so i can see in there
 
Ok so waiting on brake parts i got the steering wheel off and sure enough these two bolts were loose.

206701BE-D11E-4E35-8D63-DECDF747739B.jpeg


took them out one at a time and put a dab of blue loc-tite on the threads. Do those bolts hold anything on the backside? Reason i ask is because i pulled one at a time out, i didnt hear anything fall or come loose in the column.


Ok now my next question, should i be able to move the steering shaft around when its disassembled to this point?

5E4D2193-D6E9-49D0-9EBB-9967CEB6BBD2.jpeg



I can move it around enough for it to come out of the steering lock. I assume the turn signal housing and bearing/bushing is what holds it centered
 
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Top support bearing is probably wore out.

Detroit Muscle sells the bearings and seals.
 
George Jets said:
Yes, because there is no longer support there with the bearing off.
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lol you had me worried for a second, how much play is allowable with that bearing installed? Its enough to see but not enough to measure, also does that bearing need greased?
 
71DodgeDemon340 said:
lol you had me worried for a second, how much play is allowable with that bearing installed? Its enough to see but not enough to measure, also does that bearing need greased?
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Yes bearing needs grease, and there is a push in seal that goes over the of it too, that helps tighten things up more too.

Screenshot_20210327-154845_Chrome.jpg
 
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