alot of play in the steering wheel

[broncodriver33]

I have a lot of play up and down in my steering wheel. my first question is. is the bearing shot in the steering colunm. and if it is has any one replaced them and know whats involved. would it be easier just to go to the junk yard and get one out of another truck.

 

[Broncobill78]

I have a lot of play up and down in my steering wheel. my first question is. is the bearing shot in the steering colunm. and if it is has any one replaced them and know whats involved. would it be easier just to go to the junk yard and get one out of another truck.

Yea, the column is shot. You usually see this as a result of using the wheel to pull yourself into the truck. tearing down the column *can* be done but it's a bear of a job. Personally I'd just swap out the column as an assembly and be done with it. Rebuilding it is a big job and even more so if it's a tilt column. It's like putting a freaking watch back together again.

 

[broncodriver33]

Yea, the column is shot. You usually see this as a result of using the wheel to pull yourself into the truck. tearing down the column *can* be done but it's a bear of a job. Personally I'd just swap out the column as an assembly and be done with it. Rebuilding it is a big job and even more so if it's a tilt column. It's like putting a freaking watch back together again.

thanks for the info thats what i was leaning toward. and your right it is probably from pulling myself up in my truck.

 

[JLasvegas]

how hard is it to install a new column?

My truck is lifted and the previous owner wasnt slim and must have used the steering wheel to pull himself up into the cab

there is some play in the column and I shimmed it with some cut pieces of rubber vacuum hose and it works great but want to go ahead and fix it properly

 

[broncodriver33]

how hard is it to install a new column?My truck is lifted and the previous owner wasnt slim and must have used the steering wheel to pull himself up into the cab

there is some play in the column and I shimmed it with some cut pieces of rubber vacuum hose and it works great but want to go ahead and fix it properly

replacing my column was very easy only 4 bolts. some wiring connections to disconnect, also the cable for the shifter indicator, cable to the tranny, and a bolt at the joint which you have to take all the way out. the shaft has a u shape cut into it for the bolt. but it didn't take that long at all. i have a 93 bronco yours being a 85 will make a difference. just take your time and take notes or pictures if you have too.

 

[JLasvegas]

ques5tion for you guys , I located a tilt steering column at a yard for 70 bucks, does it need to have the ignition key in it or is it possible to pull the lock cylinder without damaging it

 

[Yardape]

You will unfortunatley need a key. You might be able to take the column to a locksmith and get him to pick the lock so the cylinder can be turned allowing the pin to be pushed in. I have tried drilling the pin out be the drillbit kept sliding off the side damaging the column housing. you might get lucky by having the column out of the truck and positioning it in a way you can center punch it and drill it out but that bugger is tough. I think the cheapest safest bet is try to find a locksmith that can pick it for you, shouldnt cost more than 20 bux

 

[JLasvegas]

can someone help, I have removed everything off my column, undid the 6 bolts under dash and the electrical connectors

removed the bolt on the steering shaft near the brake booster and still cannot get the column out, I dont know where to disconnect the automatic connector, I also took off the ring near the fire wall on the interior

when I took my column apart the turn signal switch is busted so I know I need a new one of those and there also was no bushing above the bearing which I believe was the cause of all the play

so options are buy turn signal switch and column rebuild kit and somehow piece this nightmare back together of like 80 parts and screws lol or somehow get the column pulled and buy a rebuilt unit for 250 in stock a few miles away from me, but there is a 100 core so it would be 350 if i cant get my old one out and somewhat put back together to make it presentable for a core charge

any ideas?

 

[JLasvegas]

found a rebuilt steering column from a 86 f150 non tilt with a 90day warranty at a truck slavage yard for 250 with 50 core so for the money I felt it was a pretty good deal, put it in last night and what a difference it makes to have turn signals again and not have the column so wobbly while driving

also found so many sweet 78-79 trucks and 80-86 broncos in there yard, thinking of picking up a solid axle from a 79 and joining the SAS family

 

[BB33's]

Dont replace your columns! The play in the steering column is very common and is caused by small rubber bushings behind the steering wheel being worn. Autozone sells these in there help section and they are only 3 bucks

 

[bdiddy]

found a rebuilt steering column from a 86 f150 non tilt with a 90day warranty at a truck slavage yard for 250 with 50 core so for the money I felt it was a pretty good deal, put it in last night and what a difference it makes to have turn signals again and not have the column so wobbly while driving
also found so many sweet 78-79 trucks and 80-86 broncos in there yard, thinking of picking up a solid axle from a 79 and joining the SAS family

Where is this junk yard? do they sale online? I live in dallas and am having problems finding parts.

Thanks

 

[JLasvegas]

las vegas truck salvage

702-639-7111