Tilt Steering Column [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Tilt Steering Column


67 elky
Apr 10th, 08, 2:33 AM
I am having trouble disassembling my tilt column in order to rebuild it. Anyone have instructions?

phocksphyre
Apr 10th, 08, 9:17 PM
I assume a 67 column? What do you need to know? Not an expert, but I did mine.
John

67 elky
Apr 11th, 08, 12:56 AM
It is a 67 and I am trying to remove the upper tilt assembly and the shift tube from the main column tube.

rpol7966
Apr 11th, 08, 12:16 PM
There are some specific tools that are needed to disassemble the tilt column. There is a shroud puller to remove the upper shroud that covers the upper portion of the tilt mechanism. There is a pin puller to pull the pins that the upper bowl pivots on. Then there is a puller (made to hook into a slot in the shift tube) that pulls the shift bowl off of the shift tube. This is after the upper spring clip, thrust washer, and locking ring are removed. Also, the upper bearing is held in place by a self locking nut on the steering shaft. This nut as a very fine thread and has a strange outer shoulder that is not a 12 point. It takes a special socket but can be removed with Vise Grips or channel locks.
Disassembling one of these tilt columns can be pretty intimidating and frustrating if you don't have the tools. I made all of my tools and have used them many times.
The '67 up columns share their design with later van and truck (non-key) type tilts. These are the column of choice for upgrading to a tilt in rods or other vehicles.
Feel free to contact me. I'll try to help you through this. Send me a PM and I'll give you contact information.

67 elky
Apr 12th, 08, 12:38 AM
Thanks Tim. I would love to have a repair manual. Any idea where I might get one? I have removed everything up on top down to the upper bearing and upper bowl and shift tube. I made a puller that I bolted to the housing inside the bowl through one of the turn switch holes and tapped another hole directly across from that one. I tied to slide hammer it appart with no luck. That is where I stopped. (again). I have alread driven on the lower shaft after removing the lower shift tube and all I did was drive the shaft up into the upper shaft. I may have damaged the collapsible part??????