Steering wheel removal

[Justin Patton]

I am having an issue with the steering. The car is not running yet. The steering worked before, when I first saw the car. At some point during the shipping from New Mexico to North Carolina the steering got messed up. Basically, when I turn the wheel you can hear teeth somewhere in the steering column slipping. I am trying to take it apart, but can't even get the steering wheel off. I got an old factory manual, and it says you need a Tool C-3428A to remove it. Anybody got a work around on this?

 

[Zymurgy]

If I remember correctly I got free rental from Auto Zone for a steering wheel removal tool.

 

[rexus31]

You need the tool for the job.

Steering Wheel Puller for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

 

[Mr C]

That's a steering wheel puller...no work arounds- get one. Available at any reputable auto parts store.

 

[Zymurgy]

You need the tool for the job.

Steering Wheel Puller for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

That's the one I used. Thanks Scott now you are even helping me with my memory.

 

[traintech55]

I am having an issue with the steering. The car is not running yet. The steering worked before, when I first saw the car. At some point during the shipping from New Mexico to North Carolina the steering got messed up. Basically, when I turn the wheel you can hear teeth somewhere in the steering column slipping. I am trying to take it apart, but can't even get the steering wheel off. I got an old factory manual, and it says you need a Tool C-3428A to remove it. Anybody got a work around on this?

Lets ask this first as you may not have to remove the wheel. What is the year and model of your car, and is it a standard column, or tilt.

 

[Justin Patton]

Awesome, Thank you Sirs!

 

[Justin Patton]

My car is a 68 300. It is not tilt and its the TNT package so the shifter is on the floor.

 

[traintech55]

My car is a 68 300. It is not tilt and its the TNT package so the shifter is on the floor.

Good. Now the clicking you quoted, is your turn signal switch in the center position? That is the only thing in that column that could make noise. You also mentioned your steering does not work, The column is connected to the steering box thru the intermediate shaft, there is no reason this should not be connected. Look to make sure, have some one turn the wheel while you look at every thing in the steering and let us know what you find.

 

[Sedanman]

It could be 1 of the tabs broke off of your turn signal switch and is wedged in the column. Do your turn signals cancel when you complete turns? If not that my be the issue. I have seen that little broken tab rip out wires in there.

 

[Justin Patton]

Well, I did what you said traintech. The male end of the worm shaft teeth and the female end of the lower coupling teeth are slipping. I was able to get the pin out of the lower coupling. When I move it up the teeth grab better, but as soon as I put it back in place the teeth are slipping again. Suggestions other than buying a whole new steering unit?

 

[Justin Patton]

H

 

[Justin Patton]

the spline at the top of the worm shaft is whats slipping inside the lower coupling

 

[traintech55]

the spline at the top of the worm shaft is whats slipping inside the lower coupling

There is good and bad news with this one. The coupling on the lower shaft is rebuildable. I will find you the info on a place you can send it too to have it done. The bad news is you may need to replace the steering gear, No way to know for sure until you repair the coupler.

 

[Justin Patton]

Thank you Sir, I appreciate the help!