Steering column disassembly

Well, I was bored this week so thought last minute I would try to tear down my own steering column for an eventual 4 speed project.. Last one, a board member did for me and they did an awesome job. However, I'm in it now and stuck at this point...

Does this look like a real GM column?

Is it the correct length for 70-72 GS (seems to be about 31.5 inches)

How do these last 2 or 3 pieces come apart? (Does the shifter slide off the bottom or is that connected to the entire shaft and does that pound out etc?)

There are videos on line but they seem to skip the steps I need. Thanks

 

That is a 69-72 A-body non-tilt column.

 

The lower bowl is a press fit onto the main inner tube. Once the lower bowl is removed,the inner tube slides out the bottom. That linkage lever is spot-welded to the tube.

 

Gi

Got it thanks Brian. Pressed right out. I see The Parts Place has the upper and lower bearings... not cheap there. Is there a better priced place to go same quality? Thanks again

 

Clean and re-grease. Do the same with the one at the bottom. I have tried the new ones for the bottom and the outer shell is not stamped exactly right. It moves around in the plastic housing,which makes the entire lower end move around like it has a bad bearing. The plastic part is correct because I have tried it with an original bearing.

 

Thanks Jason/Brian..This one feels pretty toast. I will try to save it. Is it pressed on or will it slide off this short side of the shaft with some taps of a mallet? Oh and does anyone sell the big spring? Thanks

 

That will slide off the splined shaft. Leave the bearing in the plastic housing and soak it in some paint thinner or something else that will de-gunk it real good. Flush it out,air hose it until it’s totally clean then re-pack it with grease.

 

The lower bearing feels a little loose... are they generally loose?

Can these parts be painted or do they need to be bare metal for grinding purposes for the horn or anything? Thanks

 

Thanks... Sent you a message with video on the bearing..

 

The lock plate was originally black coated,not painted and the dust cover was originally phosphate or parkerized. I’ve seen the dust covers either way.