steering colum grating/binding

[cudaboy 67]

hello all, ploughing thro all the probs i am now getting to the steering! box is a manual 24,0000 to 1 :finga: and to be changed to 16;1 soon, prob i have is the steering colum <floor shift< on my 68 cuda turns then "grates" badly but at same point,feels like its at the lower to floor end of colum anyone thinking bearing? dont really want to strip then order once its in bits, anyone suggest a supplier of components for these, cheers in advance, :cheers: nathan,wales uk.

 

[RedFish]

OK, If you changed the steering gear you took the column loose and moved it toward the inside of the car. My question is did you bolt it back exactly where it came from ?
Why I asked... The column support plate to the lower firewall has oversized holes that allow adjustment. I've never seen one from the factory that was exactly centered. I dont have a clue what sort of fixture or alignment proceedure is required or was used at the factory. I do know from experience that centering the column plate to those bolt holes and or changing the column position will generate bearing noiise and cause bearing failure.
If you didn't bolt it back in using the original bolt scars or dont know where it should be positioned, Put the front end on stands, loosen all the bolts ( 3 at floor and 3 at upper support ) Have a helper turn the wheel lock to lock while you shift the column under the hood seeking the sweet spot. After the column is bolted at the floor then you can adust the vertical slotted mounts at the upper support.
If you can't find a spot where the steering shaft opertes quietly then you know new bearings are needed.
There are a few sources for the tiny upper bearing including ebay.
As for the lower bearing... not sure. Another member recently posted his use of a generic bearing that fit the required dimensions. Hope this helps

 

[cudaboy 67]

hello there and thankyou for reply, i have not touched the box or colum as yet, ideally wanted to do the both at same time,the colum just rough at a few degrees at one point and at lower part, plan was to order new box and possible bearings for colum then while waiting for shipping to uk strip out colum and see whats what.