| Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257595] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 10:11  |
biggreen
Messages: 347
Registered: June 2011
Location: Northeast Florida
Karma: 1
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I know in the past I've seen info on rebuilding the steering column, can't seem to pinpoint what info I need in a search of past subjects.
Basically my steering is still more sloppy than I would like. It's been OK for the short trips we have taken, but I feel it would be a chore for a longer distance haul.
I have replaced every steering part of the steering system with the exception of the column.
I have replaced or rebuilt every part of the suspension. All this has greatly improved the steering from what it was originally.
I feel that the column is the only logical part remaining.
Is there somewhere I can sent a column for rebuild, or are the parts available to do it myself?
I still have the original wheels on the coach, if that makes a difference.
Any info or link to past posts would be appreciated.
Mine is a 1977 ex-Palm Beach with a 403. 54,000 miles
Thanks
R.D.
Northeast Florida
77 ex-Palm Beach 403
[Updated on: Sun, 03 August 2014 10:13] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257608 is a reply to message #257595] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 11:29  |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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I had my steering column rebuilt and it improved it very much. The tilt knuckle can be defective due to the spring gauging a grove into the ball, the spring retainer can cause sticking of the ball if it is bent (the later design incorporates a gusset to prevent this), the bearings can be worn. There is a shop near me in Hayward, CA that has done several GMC columns and he is well known in the Hot Rod community.
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257612 is a reply to message #257609] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 11:56 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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biggreen wrote on Sun, 03 August 2014 11:33Found the article I was looking for.
Thanks
Which article was it? Please post the link.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257631 is a reply to message #257615] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 13:30 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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biggreen wrote on Sun, 03 August 2014 12:
Here is what I found, but is not what I need after all.
I need info on how to take the slack and slop out of the column, as in what parts to replace.
Here is the link: http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf
If your tilt column is loose or sloppy then fixing that may improve your column "tightness". It did for me. Not a lot but a noticeable improvement.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257636 is a reply to message #257631] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 13:46 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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IIRC, Sowers' very useful instructions take you down to the tilt ball but
don't say anything about doing anything to that part. As mentioned
earlier, the nylon ball can be damaged. At one time we received
instructions on how to assemble it in a different orientation to eliminate
the wear. Chuck Boyd?
Ken H.
On Sun, Aug 3, 2014 at 2:30 PM, Steve Southworth
wrote:
> biggreen wrote on Sun, 03 August 2014 12:
>> Here is what I found, but is not what I need after all.
>> I need info on how to take the slack and slop out of the column, as in
> what parts to replace.
>>
>> Here is the link:
> http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf
>
>
> If your tilt column is loose or sloppy then fixing that may improve your
> column "tightness". It did for me. Not a lot but a noticeable
> improvement.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257652 is a reply to message #257595] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 16:52 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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biggreen wrote on Sun, 03 August 2014 11:11I know in the past I've seen info on rebuilding the steering column, can't seem to pinpoint what info I need in a search of past subjects.
Basically my steering is still more sloppy than I would like. It's been OK for the short trips we have taken, but I feel it would be a chore for a longer distance haul.
I have replaced every steering part of the steering system with the exception of the column.
I have replaced or rebuilt every part of the suspension. All this has greatly improved the steering from what it was originally.
I feel that the column is the only logical part remaining.
Is there somewhere I can sent a column for rebuild, or are the parts available to do it myself?
I still have the original wheels on the coach, if that makes a difference.
Any info or link to past posts would be appreciated.
Mine is a 1977 ex-Palm Beach with a 403. 54,000 miles
Thanks
RD,
If the coach really has only 54K on it, a worn out steering column is just not a good bet. But, there are a myriad of other places that could cause that grief. I suggest that you go to Rob's write up and identify where the real problem is before you start fixing things.
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Mueller_Steering_Inspection_Guide.pdf
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257669 is a reply to message #257652] |
Sun, 03 August 2014 18:44 |
biggreen
Messages: 347
Registered: June 2011
Location: Northeast Florida
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I tend to agree with that, Matt. I replaced the steering box with a rebuilt some time ago from NAPA and changed out the stop with the one from the original box. I hear some of these rebuilds could be lacking in quality.
R.D.
Northeast Florida
77 ex-Palm Beach 403
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| Re: Does my steering column need rebuilt? [message #257895 is a reply to message #257595] |
Tue, 05 August 2014 17:13 |
biggreen
Messages: 347
Registered: June 2011
Location: Northeast Florida
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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biggreen wrote on Sun, 03 August 2014 10:11I know in the past I've seen info on rebuilding the steering column, can't seem to pinpoint what info I need in a search of past subjects.
Basically my steering is still more sloppy than I would like. It's been OK for the short trips we have taken, but I feel it would be a chore for a longer distance haul.
I have replaced every steering part of the steering system with the exception of the column.
I have replaced or rebuilt every part of the suspension. All this has greatly improved the steering from what it was originally.
I feel that the column is the only logical part remaining.
Is there somewhere I can sent a column for rebuild, or are the parts available to do it myself?
I still have the original wheels on the coach, if that makes a difference.
Any info or link to past posts would be appreciated.
Mine is a 1977 ex-Palm Beach with a 403. 54,000 miles
Thanks
A series of sector shaft adjustments (small corrections) has solved the problem.
Thanks for the input.
R.D.
Northeast Florida
77 ex-Palm Beach 403
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