73 Duster collapsible steering column bushings

[Jetnoise]

Hi,

I'm rebuilding the column on my '73 Duster, and in the course of my adventure, I managed to pull apart the 2 halves of the telescoping steering shaft. On the inner shaft, I found 2 broken "bushings" that ride in the 2 grooves near the end of the shaft. (see photo)

Any idea where I can find a replacement for these?

Thanks!
-Sean

 

[dustertogo]

Hi,

I'm rebuilding the column on my '73 Duster, and in the course of my adventure, I managed to pull apart the 2 halves of the telescoping steering shaft. On the inner shaft, I found 2 broken "bushings" that ride in the 2 grooves near the end of the shaft. (see photo)

Any idea where I can find a replacement for these?

Thanks!
-Sean

View attachment 1715817364

Those aren’t replaceable. That was actually injected under pressure when the shaft was made. The purpose was so they would shear during a hard frontal collision and the shaft would collapse and supposedly cause less injury to the driver.

 

[Jetnoise]

Those aren’t replaceable. That was actually injected under pressure when the shaft was made. The purpose was so they would shear during a hard frontal collision and the shaft would collapse and supposedly cause less injury to the driver.

Thanks for the reply! That's what I was afraid of.

So it seems like it wouldn't make much of a difference if I ran the column without them installed, or am I missing something?

 

[dustertogo]

Thanks for the reply! That's what I was afraid of.

So it seems like it wouldn't make much of a difference if I ran the column without them installed, or am I missing something?

This is always a controversial subject when it comes up, but yes, there are many mopars running around like that.