[64-389]

I believe a part broke on my steering column and it's not functioning properly. There is a set screw clamp on the column in the engine compartment that holds it in the proper place. Is there supposed to be an outter ring on it? I've attached a photo of the my clamp. When I set it properly, it makes an aweful grinding noise. With this clamp loose, the column pushes up. The steering wheel has a gap in it and the rubber joint will not stay in place. I've also attached a photo of the gap and the rubber joint.

Can anyone recommend a fix? I've searched the Ames GTO catalog and couldn't find a replacement clamp.

Thanks!

[chrisp]

You need a new lower bearing .

[64-389]

Thanks Chrisp. That at least narrowed it down in the catalog for me. However, in the catalog, there's no mention of a 64 Lower Bearing. There is a 64 lower bushing. (See attached screenshot, bottom left). Do you think the bushing is the right part or that Ames doesn't carry the bearing?

I plan on calling them tomorrow.

Thanks,

[Peter Serio]

GMs design for that bearing was weak. I am pretty sure the same bearing was used on other GM A body cars from 64-66. Chevelle, Buick, Olds Pontiac. There is a Nylon spacer that goes into the end of the tube and then a bearing and a washer plus a spring to "preload" the race. All of this will wear over time until the old bearing falls apart. There was a company on ebay selling for around $82 modern parts to replace that design with an improved bearing.
eBay item number:
172142745297
You get a brand new nylon spacer plus a better bearing which will last the life of the car & then some. Could someone please post a photo out of the parts book that shows how this fits the tube?

[64-389]

Thank you for the information Peter. Now that I understand the system a little better, I think I've identified the problem. I think the only thing that broke is the washer. When I loosen the screw clamp, I no longer have any noise. I'm pretty sure the bearing is fine and the noise is coming from the clamp rubbing on the outside of the bearing. Have a look at the original picture and see if that makes sense.

When you buy the bearing, do you get a new washer and screw clamp? If I have to take it apart to get a new washer on, I might just do the bearing at the same time...(open to advice here)

Can you buy just the washer/clamp? Is that a standard washer, something I could find at a local hardware store?

[Andre]

I may have an NOS bearing left in my stuff if that is what you need.

[pfilean]

You didn't say if you had tilt column or not. The picture looked like not but I doubt it matters either way. Look at the attached from the parts book. Are you missing part number 76?

[jarhead]

Would this be better - http://www.ebay.com/itm/64-65-66-Bui...3D172142745297

[64-389]

Guys, I have neglected to mention so far that I've pulled a few pieces of thin metal out from between the clamp and bearing because something has broken to pieces. I'm assuming this was the "washer".

Andre, does the NOS bearing you have come with the nylon sleeve, washer and clamp? or is it just the bearing?

pfilean, mine is not a tilt column. The diagram you posted looks much more complex being a tilt diagram. If anything, I'd say it's part 85, but what you posted ended up so low resolution, I could hardly read it. Sorry.

Can someone post an up-close photo of their 64 non tilt column lower bearing, so I can see what it should look like?

Thanks again,

[Andre]

Bearing only. Thin pieces of metal sound like the inner race of the bearing.

[chrisp]

Originally Posted by Peter Serio

GMs design for that bearing was weak. I am pretty sure the same bearing was used on other GM A body cars from 64-66. Chevelle, Buick, Olds Pontiac. There is a Nylon spacer that goes into the end of the tube and then a bearing and a washer plus a spring to "preload" the race. All of this will wear over time until the old bearing falls apart. There was a company on ebay selling for around $82 modern parts to replace that design with an improved bearing.
eBay item number:
172142745297
You get a brand new nylon spacer plus a better bearing which will last the life of the car & then some. Could someone please post a photo out of the parts book that shows how this fits the tube?

Standard column does not use a lower spring , the clamp is what rides on the bearing & sets the preload .

[NorcalGoat]

just working on a 65 non-tilt floor shift column rebuild. My lower bearing is usable but warn. Mixed feelings about the bushing that is to replace the bearing.....

[64-389]

Thank you for the discussion guys! I think this weekend I'm going to attempt a new lower bearing. I'll post the results of that work when it's done.

[64-389]

OK, so I couldn't wait for the weekend and I got started tonight! The steering wheel is resting comfortably on the front seat and the Rubber Coupling end is sticking up in the air. Does the shaft split into 2 pieces? I can't get it apart.

I took the metal clip out for the sleeve. I also took out the 3 screws on the metal plate next to the firewall, but that didn't help. Those seem to be aligning the transmission linkage or something.

Also ball bearings started falling out as soon as I started messing with it!

Anyway, any help on getting the column out is appreciated.

Thanks,

[GTO1]

The steering shaft is one piece, and will have to come out of the column from the steering box end of the column tube. I installed one of the ebay lower bearings when i was swapping from an auto column to a floor shift column.

[chrisp]

Originally Posted by NorcalGoat

just working on a 65 non-tilt floor shift column rebuild. My lower bearing is usable but warn. Mixed feelings about the bushing that is to replace the bearing.....

The bushing works fine , it is not like the shaft is spinning . I have one on my 64 1000 miles & no wear is visible .

[64-389]

Well, it's done! I got the new bearing in. I used the Eckler's part (ebay one).

I did strip the threads trying to get the steering wheel off, but was able to use a die set to fix it. It's now a 7/16 nut instead of a 1/2.

I only had one small part left over. (see photo) I think it's some kind of wire clip from under the dash.

The steering wheel is a little crooked, but I'm not going to fix that until I replace it. It's cracked in many places.

Also when I put the tranny in park, it doesn't have that same "locking" feel. I checked and it is properly locked in park, but it's rather easy to move down into R. I looked at the linkage by the firewall and I may have sheered off some metal.

Thanks for all the help and advice!

[jarhead]

That clip holds the wiring harness cover - number 19 in NorcalGoat's diagram

[chrisp]

Originally Posted by jarhead

That clip holds the wiring harness cover - number 19 in NorcalGoat's diagram

You are correct , i have some if anyone is in need send a PM .