67 Chevelle - I have the engine out, changing the rag joint and I have the steering box out. When I wiggle the end of the steering shaft where the rag joint bolts on, the shaft seems loose up at the top - where that spring assembly is - where the shaft has the clamp and bolt. I believe there is a bushing there.

I do have the column bolts all loose at the dash and the plate on the inside of the firewall loose. The whole column will move a little but I am wondering about at the bushing.

Should that be a tight fit, semi-tight, or should the shaft be able to move side to side some?

Thanks

sounds like the lower column bearing.they are a common problem. easy to replace very hard to find one. i just bought one on ebay

If it is the bearing, try removing it carefully from the column. Take it in to a bearing supply house, NOT a NAPA store and have them size the bearing for you by demension; inner/outer circumference, width, etc. They'll come up with a replacement bearing using a cross-refence manual, or find the specs using the OEM #. Most FARM parts stores have to do this for older machinery bearings, so it is not unusual for them.

Thanks,

Not sure the bearing is bad. It doesn't make noise when I turn the shaft, it just seems loose. When I re-install the rag and steering box, it won't be able to move side to side, so I guess unless it is noisy, maybe I will just go with it.