REMOVING PIN FROM BOTTOM OF STEERING COLUMN

[dkn1997]

I am Replacing my Steering box along with some other things.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,6389.0.html

I cannot get the pin out of the bottom of the column where it attaches to the box coupler.  I need to get it out to change the lower column bearing which is toast

since the coupler and old bearing are already out, what else has to be taken off to remove the whole column to inspect/refinish it?

also, what it the best way to get this pin out.  I was thinking about heating up the surrounding area and trying to tap it out with a punch or something like that.

[palindromes]

From what I remember removing my column...

1st remove the pin from the coupler so it can disengage from the steering box(easily knocked out with a drift & a hammer).  Then there's a bracket attached to the column that you unbolt from the underside of the dash(4 bolts or so).  Push the column down a bit to clear the 2 studs the bracket joins to under the dash, give it a few tugs & out it comes (the column passes through a bracket bolted to the inside of the firewall.  You might have to remove the 2 bolts holding the lower bearing in place for it to pass through...or just remove the bracket with the column).

As for removing the pin at the end of the steering shaft...
Definitely use a shop press to remove & reinstall it.  If you hammer on it, you're likely to mushroom the end which effectively ruins it(yep, I learned this the hard way).  Also, if it's the original hardware on the coupler (a good indicator is if the seal is black, not red), it can't hurt to just rebuild it.  The rebuild kit sells for $16-$20 & includes all the parts inside the coupler (including the seal & that stupid pin).

[Chryco Psycho]

i assume you are trying to remove the roll pin from the coupler where it is splined onto the steering box , a pin punch & a heavy hammer will generally get it out & a tie rod pickle fork will push the coupler up on the spline use a lots of penetrating fluid , to remove the whole column  there is 2 7/16 nuts under the dash & 3 1/2 bolts on the plate on the floor & unplug the 2 wire plugs

[dkn1997]

thanks for the responses, guys.  I am going to just remove the column.  I am getting a new grant 860 "tuff"  lookalike wheel and I might as well repaint and detail it while I am at it.

I already rebuilt the coupler a while back, but I could not get the pin out, so I left the original one in there.  I hope I kept the new one that I did not use.  Is it ok to reuse the pin? or is it a common wear problem?  the only reason I find myself removing it now is because my lower column bearing is toast.  and when I say toast, I mean literally toast.  I will post a pic when it's totally out. 

another reason I am switching back to manifolds.

[Chryco Psycho]

ar eyou talking about the pin the shoes ride on inside the coupler?
I have seen those wear , check yours carefully if the shoes are loose change the pin , it is easy to do , support the column in a vice & hit the pin HARD it will move

[dkn1997]

YES chryco, I am talking about the pin that holds the shoes.  not the pin that holds the coupler to the box. 

I already got the new firm feel box in, just have to yank the column, tap the pin out, and install the new lower column bearing.

And chryco, thanks for the offer to get the nipple for the steering pump for me.  I actually found a guy who had it locally and he gave it to me. 

[Chryco Psycho]

excellent , actually I have been following your progress with that

[grdprx]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but in order to repalce the shoe Pin, the whole column should be removed from the car, correct?

[Patronus]

sockets and a vise