Fred 72

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking for advise on how to R&R a steering coupler for my '72 with tilt/tele steering wheel. Any help would be appriciated.

Thanks,
Fred

Jim Shea

I really don't recommend r&r on the flexible coupling. I recommend that you purchase a brand new coupling from a GM dealer #7818568. You can also find this same flex coupling at several supporting vendors such as Zip Products, Inc. You may find it cheaper from them.

The original equipment flex couplings have hot staked stop pins that secure the rubber disc to the gear flange. Also the rubber disc is what is called a seven ply construction. Corvette rubber discs are a combination of seven layers of cotton cloth and neoprene rubber. This makes for a fairly stiff disc that gives you good road feel. (The bolt-together replacement discs are four ply construction and are quite soft and have a lot more "give" to them.)

I really feel more secure with the hot staked contruction compared to the bolt together r&r kit.

Fred 72

Thanks Jim,

I have ordered a GM coupler unit. What I neede to know is how do remove and replace the GM type.

Thanks,
Fred

NHvette

Jim knows his stuff as the resident steering expert. Get what he says.

By R'n'R, you mean remove and replace, right ?

You will need to drop the steering column so that you don't collapse
the lower part of the column that has a telescopic safety feature for impacts.

The bolts with the 12 point heads that hold the coupler to each splined end will
need to be removed completely. Some PB Blaster should help to loosen it up.
On one of mine, I needed to help spread the joint so that it would slide over the rusty end.
I couple of big screwdrivers or small pry bars help to wiggle it off the steering box.
A few taps with a small hammer can help slide it off the column.

:smash: :seeya

Fred 72

Thanks for the help!

Fred

Jim Shea

Fred,
You have two choices. Your can unfasten the steering column attachments so that it can be pulled back into the passenger compartment a couple inches to allow the flex coupling to disengage. Or you can remove the three bolts that hold the steering gear to the frame and move the gear down and forward to disengage the flex coupling.

Either way is not too bad. Just don't try and pry on the lower end of the steering column to try and make room. The prying will most likely collapse the steering shaft back into the steering column.

Fred 72

Thanks Jim,

Fred

NHvette

Good point Jim. I was surprised at how easily my 3 steering box bolts came
out when I pulled mine last week. DEFINITELY easier than dropping the
column and dealing with wiring/dash crap.
Good Luck Fred.
:seeya