68 Steering column rebuild

[68ChargerJMP]

I am about to start the refurb on my column. I have searched through some old posts but can't seem to find the steering column rebuild thread. I am pretty certain I ran across one a while back. Anybody have the link handy? Much appreciated.

[68ChargerJMP]

Just wanted to clarify. Not being lazy, I have searched...I have seen posts scattered here and there with some pics and info, but nothing step by step for dis-assembly. This is my first one so I didn't want to mess up from jumpstreet. It's a 68 floor shift. Looks simple enough, just not sure about the pin at the bottom that the coupler would be attached to. Does it have to come off first thing? Thanks again.

[Dino]

Removing the pin will allow the column to slide out of the coupler.  Remove steering wheel, remove 2 bolts and assorted hardware on the bottom dash edge.  Remove the turn signal switch and cancel cam now or when the column is removed but be sure to follow the small wire loom to a grey connector under the dash and disconnect it, also make sure the wiring is connected to nothing but the column.  Remove all the bolts holding the column to the firewall.  6 total I think, 4 for the firewall plate and 2 more to adjust.  Your column is now ready to be pulled.  I have not seen a rebuild thread yet but there's really not much to restoring one of these.

Maybe you can be the author of our next sticky?   

[68ChargerJMP]

Thanks, but the removal is done, its the rebuild I'm about to start. Thanks anyway.

[AKcharger]

Post pictures! I need to do mine!

Thx

[tan top]

 have a look & read here

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,29193.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=90507.0


been so long ago since I done mine  ,   every thing slides up & off the steering wheel end  ,

undo  A bolt & remove turn signal lever
undo & remove  B ,  the 3 Phillips head screws & retaining collar & turn signal switch , ( need to remove the each wire from the block connector , with correct tool !) to pull  the wires through !
remove  circlip C
undo two nuts D either remove or just leave a one or two threads then twist the top housing , then with a suitable tool !  remove bearing , then the top housing can be removed , take note of  what order the washers / spacers go in  , at the  bottom remove the two bolts for the lower steering column bearing & slide it down , then you can remove the  outer tube , , then inner tube , don't loose the spring at the bottom  
 like I say been so long  , guys feel free to correct anything ive missed or said in correctly  :

picture below is from Jeroens awesome web site    http://www.charger.nl/

[68ChargerJMP]

Thanks tan top. I have one question though. Does that big pin at the bottom of the shaft have to come off to get the seal and bearing off? Im assuming it does, but when I look at some of these pictures. even when they're stripped down, the pin is still on the shaft in most if not all pics.

[tan top]

 you get a new pin  in the rebuild kit  , when I striped mine down , I looked at  how to get that pin out & thought oh no , it was in there really really tight ,  as luck would have it , the  coupler was still packed with factory grease , there was little or no wear on the shoes , & no rust on the pin , I measured the diameter & compared it to the new one in the kit & was the same  , so left the original pin in place , & replaced the shoes

the lower steering column bearing ( white plastic outer ,  held on with two bolts ) is slid on  & down the inner shaft first from the steering wheel end , the  steering coupler pot seal is carfully  slid over the pin ,  use a bit of grease ,  from the bottom .

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from memory this is how , (but been so long ago)
the steering column top cast housing attaches to the outer tube .
how the square head bolts attach & when tightened lock the column outer tube ,

install the top bearing , by tapping the inner bearing ring in a crisscross patern with a sutable size flat ended punch either steel or brass ,

[68ChargerJMP]

Gotcha. Thanks.

[68ChargerJMP]

Got the column apart. I was able to just tap the shaft down with a rubber hammer to pop the upper bearing off after removing the snap ring of course. Problem is now...I broke the snap ring off removing it. I bought one today from the local hardware store, but it does not fit. It is the same size but the ends turn down into the shaft and will not fit right. Does anyone know where to get a factory style snap ring? Thanks.

[horse]

Can someone please help explain if I am missing something here.
The 2 bolts with the cage style nuts under the turn signal unit. They are marked "D" on the image above.
When I reinstall these what do they actually do? and mine are still loose is there meant to be washers on top of them?
I have loaded a couple of pics. This is what happens when you put something back together after a few weeks

[horse]

These bolts

[horse]

sorted cheers

[el dub]

  ( need to remove the each wire from the block connector , with correct tool !) to pull  the wires through !
 

I removed the wires with a little difficulty. What is this special tool? I would like to know as when I get the new turn signal unit I would like it to go together a little easier.

[jlatessa]

Re the snap ring, what you have is an inner type, you need an outer,
the tabs will face the other way.

Joe

[tan top]

 ( need to remove the each wire from the block connector , with correct tool !) to pull  the wires through !
 

I removed the wires with a little difficulty. What is this special tool? I would like to know as when I get the new turn signal unit I would like it to go together a little easier.

  I used  one side of this / these tools to do the job , I forget which one  

http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/otc-4822/overview/

[el dub]

Thanks TT. I think I will stick with my eyeglass screwdriver for a one time use.

[68ChargerJMP]

I know, I know, I should have done a better job at documenting what I did when I took it all apart. I deserve the crap yall should probably give me. With that being said, does anyone have a pic or drawing of how the inner column, spring, and the wave washer all reside happily together in the outter column, so I can get this column put back together? Thank you.

[68ChargerJMP]

Never mind fellas, I think I got it fingered out. I was trying to convince myself the inner sleeve was supposed to be opposite of what was right. The inner sleeve fits inside the outer column with the smaller end with the holes in it facing up toward the steering wheel. The spring goes at the bottom on the inner sleeve and rests on the lower bearing support once installed. The wave washer goes on the top over the inner sleeve between the outer column and the upper part of the column/steering wheel hub or whatever it is called. The shaft slides in from the bottom.

[1974dodgecharger]

These bolts

those bolts are important in my case it was or the coupler will slide in and out of the steering box setup.

[lexxman]

This is just what I needed. I have mine on the bench now,wondering were do I start? Now I know.

[Mr. Lee]

Where can I get a complete rebuild kitt with every peace in it?

Thanks 

[68ChargerJMP]

Can you specify on what all you need? For a coupler rebuilt kit, they are available several places. Firm Feel, MegaParts, etc...

[Mr. Lee]

Can you specify on what all you need?

I really have no idea.

First time I will rebuild my steering column, I guess all the comon parts inside that will have the usual wear. Perhaps someone that did rebuild one can tell?

[lexxman]

I haven't taken mine apart yet,but I'm guessing after 44 years it all should be rebuilt.

[68ChargerJMP]

You more than likely will need the lower bearing. The upper bearing may be able to just be repacked. Both of those are available new, as are new snap rings in case you break one like I did. Also, the turn signal switch and cancel cam is available new. MegaParts carries all these parts mentioned.

[lexxman]

So I'm guessing they don't sell all this as a kit. That would make things easy.

[68ChargerJMP]

Nope, as far as I know, the only "kit" available is the steering coupler kit.