I'm trying to remove my steering column. Took the bolt off the column under the brake booster. Dropped it down from the dash, floor plate. It is just that spindle left to go. I've been told, just pull on it ?? It don't wanna go. I can't figure any way to get any leverage on it to get it apart. Any tricks?

Hey DG68ELKY396, this is well.... DG!

I just did this to a auto-shift-on-column 70 Chevelle.

I think it would have been easier (to put back on) if you leave the bolt on the engine side of the column on, and remove the bolts that hold the shaft to the rag joint. Course, my fenders were off, the donor column did not have that shaft, so I had to remove it anway and swap it over. This would necessiatate pulling the drivers seat for more room as you pull the column.

Make sure you disconnect the shift linkage (automatic on column), I also removed my neutral/saftey switch (I destroyed the donors pulling it out). I also had to disconnect the wire that is tied to the column for the P-R-N-D-L2-L1 slider. There is a 2 piece sheetmetal cover on the bottom of the column that I loosened up too.

Make sure no electrical plugs or wires will get caught when you start pulling. I had to use a screwdriver to persude the column to start moving on the engine side at the splines.

It will be less hassel if you pull the front seat. More room when that colum comes out.

Oh, one more thing, when you are ready to pull the column, put the column in park. I leaned on mine and it turned too quick while I was pulling and fell thru the passenger side door! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

So.... you're saying, in addition to the tools you need a matress on the floor just outside the passenger door? http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Ok.. the matress is in place. I think I'm safe on most of that. Mine's a floor shift with the key in the dash. It was all going too easily. All the bolts out! and pull, and pull, and...geeeeeeeeeeesh. Sprayed it down with lots of lube, gonna try it in the morning. I love a challenge, but I don't know what I'm gonna do next. Rag joint I guess, but it's a booger to get to. THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE! I'm may just go have a beer, and take a nap on the matress...

Oh yeah... I've got room. I was redoing the interior. That's why I decided to do the column (or it's wiring) while I was at it. Everything is out... Just me sitting on the new carpet pulling on the d*** steering column.

If you are trying to pull the column off the splines where the column and the intermediate shaft meet, spray some liquid wrench and use a flat blade screw driver to start it. Be careful you do not poke the lower bearing. Like I said tho' less banging if you take the two bolts off at the rag joint.

You have to completely remove that single bolt, not just loosen it.



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Springfield, Ohio

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Thanks DG. I think I'm going to attack the rag joint this morning. I heard about taking the bolt out all the way. There was a message on here about the Steering Column Pros in SoCal. They are very helpful. But the last step was "just pull". This must be the spot where the rust is on my car. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Well, it's out:
Step 1: Spray lots of Deep Creep on spline.
Step 2: Put matress on floor outside passenger side door.
Step 3: Have a beer and take nap on matress.
Step 4: Get up in the morning, and just pull.

Thanks Guys!