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Steering Wheel-Column Movementi

J

JDawg

New Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2022
1975 CJ5 V8 Steering wheel shifts in and out on steering column. Mine pushes in about 3/8” towards dash. Photo 1,shows wheel depressed in, photo 2 shows it pulled out. Some members of other forum say it is supposed to do that!?!? My questions are:
1. Is this normal for a 75?
2. Probable issues?
3. Steps to fix
Any advice is appreciated and I know the posters here are reliable and well experienced. Thanks SteerColumn1.jpegSteerColumn 2.jpeg
 
I believe it is normal because there is a spring that compresses the bearings in normal operation.
 
If you end up getting into it to figure it out/solve the problem, I wouldn't mind you posting up any info you could provide. I'll eventually be rebuilding the column on my '75. It makes almost as much grinding noise as my back does when I turn it left/right. :lol:
 
Normal on my 74. Never have measured it but it sounds about what mine does.
 
So, in your opinion, does the washer bump up against angled bracket, or does it some how contain the bushing assembly? I bought the steering column from a donor 74 jeep and the seller may have lost the washer during removal. So I will pull my steering column and locate a washer first. Looks standard and off the shelf. I’m going to mark the shaft and the coupling u joint with an engraved line so it’s easier to remove-assemble.
 
The washer rides against the flange of the lower column bushing. Also while you have shaft out make sure there’s a seat under the spring. The seat rides on top of the upper column bearing.

When you put steering wheel on shaft it compresses the spring against upper bearing via the seat, that takes up the play. The whole operation should feel tight, no play.

If you have or know of someone that has bi-metal hole saw you can make washer out of 1/8” or even 3/16 plate steel. Needs to to be fairly thick.
 
If you disassemble your column or wiggle the shaft around, insure you remove the horn contact prior to any work. It can get hung on the shaft contact and get damaged.
 
CJMark said:
The washer rides against the flange of the lower column bushing. Also while you have shaft out make sure there’s a seat under the spring. The seat rides on top of the upper column bearing.

When you put steering wheel on shaft it compresses the spring against upper bearing via the seat, that takes up the play. The whole operation should feel tight, no play.

If you have or know of someone that has bi-metal hole saw you can make washer out of 1/8” or even 3/16 plate steel. Needs to to be fairly thick.
Click to expand...
Refresh my memory if you can: When I disconnect the steering column's shaft from the U-Joint and have also detached it from the dashboard, I should be able to pull the entire column towards the rear by a few inches and slip on that washer- correct? I will have also un-attached the compartment bracket. My goal is to pull it out of the u-Joint and then then add the washer and push it right back in. I'll loosen things up first with some PB Blaster or similar.
Does that sound correct?
By the way, you are correct that it seems to move better than 1/8th inch and maybe 3/16" so I may make two washers! Thanks for all of your help
 
yes if it is all unhooked it should move enough
 
I wouldn't loosen the column, try this first.The steering shaft in the column tube will slide upwards. (be careful not to pull up on the shaft too far, it will damage the horn contact ring). The coupler on the steering box should allow enough movement to slip the u-joint off the shaft. Then you should be able to install the washer.
It would be helpful to have a second person pushing down on the steering wheel as you're trying to install the u-joint, or use a ratchet strap to hold the steering wheel down. It should go easily.
 
Same problem with 1974 cj5. Only pulled on steering wheel. Never pushed or noticed 3/8” of play until I put on new replacement wheel. My retaining nut is flush with the top threads of the column and will go no further. What is the status of your retaining nut?
 
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