Steering Coupler What I Found During Rebuild

[amike95]

I've noticed sense I bought my 69 Roadrunner, there has been a considerable amount of play in the steering wheel. So, last weekend I thought I would try and fine the problem. From under the hood, I tried rotating the shaft by hand and found quiet a bit of play in the steering coupler and not in the steering box. I pulled the steering column last Saturday and upon disassembling the coupler I found that the two shoes had been installed long ways to the coupler and not sideways with the contour of the coupler. Additionally, there was no spring clip installed holding the shoes in place. Anyone ever seen this?.

 

[Darter6]

Yes it is common that they get installed incorrectly.Someone had it apart at one time.

 

[Cmmopar]

This link has great factory TSB install instructions posted:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...ple-issue-Need-help&p=910242718#post910242718

 

[moparedtn]

That coupler spring clamp is a life-saver!

 

[440beep]

This is a great post!! I've got slop in my steering and I'm hoping that one piece is also installed wrong and I can get this fixed finally!!

 

[amike95]

OK guys, so I pulled the steering column and rebuilt the steering coupler, replacing the shoes that were installed 90 degrees out. However, when I put the column back in, installed the coupler on the steering box, the new coupler shoes are resting against the little dowel pin in the coupler. In other words, instead of the 13/16" measurement from the little dowel to the mark on the shaft, I have 1 1/2". When I tried to push the shaft further in the coupler, I found that I couldn't get the steering wheel back on because the spines were too far in the column. Any suggestions?

 

[Cmmopar]

Perhaps during disassembly you collapsed plastic inserts in two piece steering shaft. Any impact at any either end could have collapsed shaft. Is there any movement when applying moderate non-jarring force to pull lower part of steering shaft and extend it from upper part while upper part is stationary? Do you have the correct 3 inch overall length coupler on car? 13/16 measurement is gauge hole to top of coupler so that shoes are centered in coupler.

 

[amike95]

Cmmopar, I tried moving the lower shaft and there is no movement. I also have the 3" coupler. Thanks,