Chuck Henderson
Member
I have the steering column out of my ‘70 Dart for a general overhaul and noticed a slight bend in the column cover. Is this normal or the result of some prior bang-up? The column itself appears to be ok.
This normal?
- Thread starter Chuck Henderson
- Start date
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67dartgtgo
Well-Known Member
Hi chuck and welcome aboard.
Was the bottom bearing toast? I’m guessing it probably was. If it was this could be the result but it’s easily straightened and in my humble opinion definitely not a big deal. Rebuild that sucker and carry on.
Was the bottom bearing toast? I’m guessing it probably was. If it was this could be the result but it’s easily straightened and in my humble opinion definitely not a big deal. Rebuild that sucker and carry on.
I have seen that on a few column over the years. If it’s not severe like yours, I have straightened them went on with the rebuild. That may have been from a previous wreck or who knows. That section is supposed to collapse along with the center steering shaft upon front impact.
Probably was in a prior accident, those columns were waffled to absorb and "crush" so you didn't get a steering wheel in the face on a collision.
Tweak it to fit.
Tweak it to fit.
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
That kind of stuff can happen just getting banged around in storage- if it bothers you, slip a length of 2" pipe or tubing inside of it and roll it around a bit, like a rolling pin. Good to go.
If the plastic pins in the column haven't been sheared, it probably wasn't due to a collision.
If the plastic pins in the column haven't been sheared, it probably wasn't due to a collision.
Chuck Henderson
Member
Chuck Henderson
Member
Thanks for the welcoming and the good information, folks. I don’t think it’s a significant problem but something went on with the steering column. I noticed some cracks on the back side of the steering wheel and there was no lower bearing. Maybe a fender-bender at some time and a previous owner yanked the column.
Question; I’ve seen the plastic pins in the shaft but how can I tell if they’ve been sheared at some time?
Question; I’ve seen the plastic pins in the shaft but how can I tell if they’ve been sheared at some time?
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
The pins keep the column from collapsing/overextending too far- they're designed to shear and allow the column to collapse in the event of a collision, hopefully preventing the driver from getting speared in the process.
If the inner column (engine bay end) freely slips out, they've been sheared. If you feel a bit of travel, and it stops, they're intact.
If the inner column (engine bay end) freely slips out, they've been sheared. If you feel a bit of travel, and it stops, they're intact.
Chuck Henderson
Member
Thanks Doc!
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