Upper steering column assembly removal

[denny71gt]

I am trying to remove the upper steering column assembly from the center steering shaft, but I can't seperate the two parts. I have the upper assembly hanging basically from the upper universal joint and I have loosened (bolt removed) the clamp just below the u-joint, but the two parts hang tight. What kind of connection is it? Is it splined? Does the clamp need to be removed entirely? If so, how do I do it? I've hit it with WD-40 and banged on the u-joint (not too vigorously), but to no avail. Suggestions, tricks of the trade, ...... will be appreciated.

Denny

[namba209]

If it's like the bottom end of the shaft, you have to completly remove the clamp bolt. There may be a groove in the shaft the bolt sits in, just like the bottom end.

[Killer Texas GT]

The upper section of the steering column has a spline fit to the U-joint a notch for the bolt to nest in via a squeeze clamp The lower section of the steering shaft going to the rack is round smooth with opposing sides flattened and also has a notch for the bolt to nest in via a squeeze clamp. (MY technical lingo is not perfect so bare with me).
To remove the lower steering shaft from the U-joint; remove the nut and bolt entirely, the with a screw driver of suitable strength spread the squeeze clamp to the point it slides off and down onto the lower steering shaft, then you may find that due to a slight rust build up or for the lack of never being removed that it is frozen in place (I reccommend a little "PB" Blaster in stead of WD-40, no offence to the WD users) take your suitable strong screw driver or chisel spreard the split on both side of the U-joint by had shot a little blaster on it spread again in a few minutes the splits with your selected tool shot it again, now tap lightly with a hammer in an upward motion on the U-joint be sure to place a block of wood on the U-joint and strike the wood with your hammer to loosen the U-joint from the shaft. it you hit the U-joint itself with the hammer you may damage the U-joint.

[Itsa '70 GT]

Originally Posted by Killer Texas GT The upper section of the steering column has a spline fit to the U-joint a notch for the bolt to nest in via a squeeze clamp The lower section of the steering shaft going to the rack is round smooth with opposing sides flattened and also has a notch for the bolt to nest in via a squeeze clamp. (MY technical lingo is not perfect so bare with me). To remove the lower steering shaft from the U-joint; remove the nut and bolt entirely, the with a screw driver of suitable strength spread the squeeze clamp to the point it slides off and down onto the lower steering shaft, then you may find that due to a slight rust build up or for the lack of never being removed that it is frozen in place (I reccommend a little "PB" Blaster in stead of WD-40, no offence to the WD users) take your suitable strong screw driver or chisel spreard the split on both side of the U-joint by had shot a little blaster on it spread again in a few minutes the splits with your selected tool shot it again, now tap lightly with a hammer in an upward motion on the U-joint be sure to place a block of wood on the U-joint and strike the wood with your hammer to loosen the U-joint from the shaft. it you hit the U-joint itself with the hammer you may damage the U-joint.

Just went through this exercise this afternoon during a "parting-out" session! PB Blaster will definitely be your best friend here. When allowed to work a little bit, the clamp should slide down with a little coaxing, thus allowing you to dis-assemble the column from the lower shaft with an up and out motion......

Bill B.

[namba209]

Bill and Rodney, thanx for clearing that up, I've never had to split the column on Willit? so don't know how it comes apart. Thanx again.

[denny71gt]

Thank you gentlemen. I will try it tomorrow after a day with sodium naproxin. I am so sore from wrestling with this yesterday. Do you think a 73 year old should give in to this problem?..........No way!!!! Wish me luck. And I will use PB Blaster too.

Thanks again, Denny

PS. Why was I not able to find your posts in New Posts?