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How too - remove the steering shaft from the column #1859700
06/29/15 03:45 PM
06/29/15 03:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 751
Saint Peters, MO
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Brian Offline OP
super stock
Brian  Offline OP
super stock
B

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 751
Saint Peters, MO
I want to rebuild the steering column and replace the ignition switch (Which I have no key for), both harnesses and then clean paint and grease the assemble before adding a Tuff wheel.

This is a manual 4-speed column for a 1971 Duster. The manufacturer dates on the case pieces of the column say 1973 if that maters. My 1971 Chassis Service Manual says I need a C-4044 tool to remove and a C-4113 tool to assemble.

Can anyone help walk me through this process and offer up insite about what tools are available?


1971 6.1 Gen III Hemi Duster
Re: How too - remove the steering shaft from the column [Re: Brian] #1860118
06/30/15 12:13 AM
06/30/15 12:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653
Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340 Offline
top fuel
kentj340  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653
Cut and Shoot, TX
Tool C-4044 is for pushing the steering shaft down and out of the upper bearing with the steering column out of the car.

You can easily make a clone tool for about $1 by just buying an #8-32 all thread rod and cutting 3 pieces about 4" long. Screw these into the housing, put any small 3-slot puller plate over the threaded rods, add washers and #8-32 nuts, and push against the shaft with the center bolt of the 3-slot puller. If this isn't clear, holler, and I'll try to take a photo.

As you can tell from the puny #8-32 all thread rods, very little force is needed to push the steering shaft out of the upper bearing. To reverse the process (I guess that's tool C-4113? It was C-3879 in my 69 FSM.), you just need to push against the upper bearing inner race while pulling the shaft upward. Should be able to do this with a short piece of tubing or PVC pipe of the right diameter to cover the upper bearing inner race and pull the shaft by turning the shaft nut against a big washer sitting on the top of the tube. Before making a tube of the right diameter and length, try pulling the shaft upward through the bearing with one hand while pushing on the bearing with the other hand, just to see if that's possible.



If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
Re: How too - remove the steering shaft from the column [Re: Brian] #1860124
06/30/15 12:23 AM
06/30/15 12:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,414
UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
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NITROUSN Offline
I Live Here
NITROUSN  Offline
I Live Here
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,414
UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
I never used a special tool on that style column. Un-bolt the lower support bushing remove the snap ring and tap the end of the shaft with a plastic mallet or a block of wood and a hammer and the shaft will drop right out. Going back together just put the nut on and pull while someone carefully taps the bearing back down far enough to put the snap ring back on.







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