Re: A Tale of Two Patricians

Posted by HH56 On 2020/7/14 17:23:01

Yes, it will slide off the steering shaft. There are a few things that need doing first. I would take note of the width of the gap between column and steering wheel and where the column end is on the collar of the steering box before removing the wheel so you can get the height back in the ballpark when reinstalling. Once the turn signal and quadrant light wiring and shift linkage is disconnected, there is a split ring concave type washer around the shaft that forms the inner race of the upper shaft bearing that also needs to be removed. When removing the inner race take note of the condition of the upper bearing and be careful the balls are in place and captured by the retainer piece that holds them to the outer race. If balls are missing they will probably be at the bottom of the column and can be lost when the column slides up if you don't watch out for them. After the floor plate and the clamps holding the column are loosened and/or removed, it should slide freely but is bulky and a bit heavy

The column can get very near to if not touch the headliner before everything clears. You may need to remove a bolt from the steering box and loosen the others enough so the box and steering shaft can tip down slightly if it actually touches. If the headliner is in good shape and is staying in the car best put a towel or something over the end of the column to keep dirt or grease from staining the headliner. I think the horn contact and wire can stay in the shaft but it might be easier to remove that too if the insulator washer and contact plate sticks over the shaft by much.