Upper Steering Column Bushing

[Woodie1]

Has anyone found a good material to use in the upper steering column bushing? I think mine should be replaced since I have some wiggle to the steering wheel. Just enough movement to cause an annoying vibration. Thanks.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Unless you are building to fine-point status, Snyders carries 3 different types, --two of which are very close to being authentic. You don't mention whether you have a 7 or 2 tooth, but they offer them with the cloth insert in a Nickel plated one and you can use their aluminum one and 'detail' it a tad with a file and fine blasting media and it will look very close to authentic.

[redmodelt]

Replacing it may require removal and tear down of the steering column. The pins have to be driven out of the spark and throttle levers on the rods so the rods can come out. Unless it is loose in the tube the bushing may need to be pulled or driven out.

[Woodie1]

It is a 2 tooth. I was hoping to just replace the woven material in the bushing if that were possible.

[redmodelt]

The whole part is the bushing, not just the woven lining. Think most just replace the whole part when they restore the unit. Maybe someone has replaced just the woven part. I suggest you reask the question with WHAT you are looking to do in the title.

[1930 coupe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The material in the bushing looks a lot like a wick from a kerosene lamp.
Measure the width of the woven material, and see if you can find a wick the same width. I have not tried this so it may or may not work, but it is the only thing I can think of that might work.

[Purdy Swoft]

I may be wrong but I would think that a lamp wick is made of too soft material to be used for the upper steering bushing . I've never tried replacing the woven material . I just replace the whole bushing and it can be a pain , considering the removal and replacement of the pins in the gas and spark rods

[BillCNC]

I replaced the whole bushing but I was tempted to use a piece of a woven belt cut to fit.

Regards
Bill

[Purdy Swoft]

The woven belt material is pretty tough and should work , depending on the thickness .

[quickchange]

pies of frame welting , the thin one might work

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

The whole part is the bushing, not just the woven lining. Think most just replace the whole part when they restore the unit. Maybe someone has replaced just the woven part. I suggest you reask the question with WHAT you are looking to do in the title.

Mark, I agree, --and I am not sure how to get the woven material into the recess with the steering shaft still installed. If you must take the upper bushing unit out (...along with spark & throttle rods) it kinda seems it would be best to replace the whole unit. Maybe an inside knurling tool might add some life to the worn bushing, but again that sure seems like a lot of work.

[BillCNC]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

The woven belt material is pretty tough and should work , depending on the thickness .

That was my only concern also. I wasn't sure if the thickness would make any difference. I believe the woven belt was like .030" thicker.

Does anyone know if that is area/part is critical in measurement?

I do remember my grandmother telling me waaaaay back when, that my grandfather sometimes used the leather tongue from his shoes after long journey's. She said he used them all throughout the car
in an emergency.

Bearings and/or bushing's in a pinch? Might try a leather tongue from an old shoe.

Regards
Bill