RandyS

I have a Tilt Floor Shift Column in my 66. I have been fighting PS issues for a while (separate thread), but noticed this noise when I was working the air out of the steering box installs. I hear and feel sort of a scraping sound as I turn the wheel, but it is not constant, only when the wheel is in a certain position. It repeats at that position no matter which way I turn the wheel. I verified that nothing was touching in the engine bay. There is a new bearing installed at the lower end of the column. The sound seems to come from the firewall area. Any ideas?

RandyS

Anyone?

RandyS

Still looking for input.............

pcard

Is the sound coming from the top or bottom of the column? I know you said firewall, but which side of the firewall?

RandyS

The sound appears to come from the cabin side of the firewall, but not at the steering wheel. Here's a strange thing I encountered today. During the install of the new steering box, I took a few minutes to play with the wheel while there was no box installed. The wheel spun freely, with nary a sound. Hooked up the new box and the sound came back. I am stumped.

pcard

Sorry Randy - the only experience I have had with steering noises has been with the upper end, the cancel cam specifically. Can't help you mate.

StarGeneral

any way you can have a buddy move your steering wheel around while the front end is on jack stands so you can poke your head in the engine bay and locate the sound? Also does the sound occur with the engine running or when it is off?

RandyS

The noise is coming from inside the car, engine either on or off. Just can't pinpoint it.......

wmlewis

Quick question.... May or may not have anything to do with your problem, but is this a column shift?

RandyS

No, floor shift, tilt column. Turn signals work properly.

brown7373

I think there are upper and lower bearings on the column. Sounds like one or both is dry or broken, needing replaced.

oldcutlass

I think this will help you.


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pcard

Wish I had a diagramme like that for my column; the service manual diagramme is not as clear.

oldcutlass

That diagram is for a later model with ignition in column but its basically the same as far as shaft moving parts.

RandyS

Thanks for the diagram. I'm now wishing maybe I didn't have the tilt column in this car. Looks like a PITA to get to the upper bearing (lower bearing is new). Does anyone know - if there is not enough tension on the bottom bearing (spring between bearing retainer and clamp) if it would cause the upper bearing to make noise? Again, this is not a grinding noise like a bad or dry bearing would make. It is not constant but occurs sort of randomly as the wheel is turned from lock to lock. Happens maybe 2-3 times during the 3 turns, both directions.

rroth01

Bearing Bushing or Rag Gear ?
If its the Rag Gear I have plenty of them.

oldcutlass

It may be in the tilt mechanism. Have you tried it in a different position?

RandyS

Brand new Rag Joint

Yes, the position of the tilt does not make a difference. Also, was quiet when not connected to steering box.

wmlewis

Next guess might be the steering box.. Or steering linkage binding at some point .. Sounds do travel thru the car. A second person underneath may be a good idea like someone suggested earlier...