z3man987

ive had my '78 for about 3-4 years now and i suspect it actually has well over 200k miles on it :-/ when should i consider rebuilding/replacing the steering column? ive pretty much replaced everything else on the car mechanically so im afraid the next thing to go will be my steering. NOT GOOD if it goes while im on the freeway

Jim Shea

You know the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

I assume that you have a T&T column and not the standard (non-adjustable) one.

If you are a glutton for punishment you might download my first steering column disassembly and repair paper and run through the checks that are outlined. You might discover that you really do need to tear it down. Here is the link.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/T&TColumnD&R113MR04.doc

BTW, you will need to remove the steering wheel so you can probably use this paper as well.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/T&T77-...&HornParts.doc

There are also several more papers at the www.corvettefaq.com websight that will assist in the teardown and repairs.

Let us know what you find.

Jim

81' Corvette Guy

z3man987

whoa thanks jim for the info, unfortuneately i dont think i have the resources of time or parts (wheel separater and all...) to complete the job. but after looking over your troubleshooting list, i think i best have someone look at the column and examine whether or not i need a rebuild or replacement. thanks again.

i885744

You can do a great deal of steering column work without any special tools. I replaced everything from the lower bearing up and the only tools i used were basic hand tools and a steering wheel puller. Its not as scary as everyone plays it up to be. I rebuilt mine because the bearings were shot. Like they said, if it ain't broke don't fix it