Steering column upper bushing removal

[Tom Wesenberg]

"Going off the premise that none of this was built to precision."

I wouldn't believe that of original parts. Did you get powdercoating on the inside of the tube, which is now making it fit too tight? If so, then you can just sand it out.

Geez.....I just looked outside, and it's snowing again.

[roblesterjr04]

nope. no coating inside. When you look at the base you can see that the steering shaft is not dead center. its off alignment by what looks to be about 1/32, so the bushing (or spool as its described) doesn't slide right it. I almost think i need to lube it up and whack it in.

[Tom Wesenberg]

OK, I was thinking a 2 tooth column and that's why I couldn't picture the problem.

Hopefully someone has done a 7 tooth column and can help. It seems to me you could just push the shaft to the center and slide the bottom bushing in place. I assume you have the sector out.

[roblesterjr04]

Well, if you don't have any other suggestions, next time i'm back at my parents house, I'm going to oil the sucker up and tap it on with a mallet.

I probably should have assembled the shaft and steering box before I installed the upper bushing and nickel rods.