Re: Steering Column Removal


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Posted by Keith in Washington on Friday, March 09, 2001 at 11:07AM :

In Reply to: Steering Column Removal posted by Drew Rogers on Thursday, March 08, 2001 at 9:38PM :

Yes I have seen this before. But all of the responses abve have failed to mention a couple of things. There are two major parts to the steering column in the PWs. The outer visable tube and the inner shaft. The inner shaft is the actual link between the steering wheel and steering box. I have yet to see one of these break. It is not uncommon for the outer tube to crack or fracture at the point it meets the steering box. This is due to the crimping of the clamp and torquing that occurs between the frame and the body (The upper end of this tube is attached to the body and the lower part to the frame through the steering box. This tube has a couple of functions. One is keeps dirt and mositure from entering the top of the steering box. Second it has a bushing at the top to keep the steering shaft centered. Third it provides a mounting point for the steering shaft to the body (The clamp mounting that is located where the steering column is mounted to the dash).

The crack in the tube is not critical enough to immediately pull the truck over to the side of the road and park it. You should fix it. As others have stated you need to pull off the steering wheel (no fun) and the pitman arm. A pitman arm puller is available in most rental shops but no one will have a steering wheel puller. I have either been able to pull my wheels off by hand or rig a puller that reaches to the back side of the steering wheel. Be careful not to damage the end of the steering shaft or its threads when removing the steering wheel. To get the steering box out I remove the steering wheel and the clamp where the steering column mounts to the dash. Then I remove the starter (it is in the way of getting the steering box out of the frame. Then unbolt the steering box. With a twisting motion remove the steering box from the frame (It is a tight fit and may take some time). The steering box and column can then be slid forward over the front axle and out from underneath the truck. Weld or replace the tube and reinstall the unit into the truck.

Have fun.



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