STEERING COLUMN

[boloboss]

What's up guys,
...when I turn my steering wheel to the right I'm hearing a screeching sound. It's not coming from none of the front end parts. I had all that lubed up. What could it possibly be?
Also, my steering column on the inside of the truck is loose at the neck by the tilt linkage and near the steering wheel linkage. Everything has been tightened on the inside but those areas are still loose. What do y'all recommend?

 

[nvrenuf]

Power steering pump noise? Low on fluid?

 

[Radiohead]

Tilt column has that added feature of having an extra place to get loose and become a general pain in the a$$. It's not uncommon for internal fasteners to work their way loose from all the heating/cooling cycles from the Mesozoic period forward. It will require a bit of effort to remedy, on the workbench works best for me, some guys use the cab as the holder. It is not a beginners level project by any stretch but if one is careful and uses proper methods and tools, it's quite achievable for the layman. Here are some images ive copied from info here.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[boloboss]

1st image is area of screeching noise
2nd of column looseness

 

[Radiohead]

Picture 1, that is a bearing that loves to get drier than a popcorn fart and make noise. It looks like its riding in its plastic housing good (no excess gap I can see) so it's probably the ball bearings part without lube. Number 67 on the blow ups. Might get lucky with some spray moly, I used 10w40 on mine from a pump can.

Picture 2 is probably number 43 x3 loose. That will require a bit of digging in, this would be the perfect time to replace a defective turn signal switch if needed. This job is one you can do with the column installed.

That's how I see it. Well, those things are what I would check first.

 

[Radiohead]

You must be registered for see images attach

An example of the lower bearing and it's holder not being properly spaced. I ended up tapping the shaft (and the bearing) towards the steering wheel to take up the gap (the shaft has a collapse feature that can get out of adjustment).

 

[MMOTT]

Agree with Radiohead. Just tightened the screws in my column last weekend. Made a huge difference. Before you could move the wheel all over. I am about to change the lower bearing in mine. It’s not making noise, but I can tell it’s wore out. Here’s what I have found that I am replacing it with.

M109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing

Wolff Engineering M109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing for Saginaw columns with 2" jacket and 1" shaft. This cartridge bearing is designed around a precision, sealed deep-groove radial ball bearing. The cartridge body is constructed of acetal and is precisely toleranced to insure...

www.wolffeng.com

 

[Robert Bare]

Agree with Radiohead. Just tightened the screws in my column last weekend. Made a huge difference. Before you could move the wheel all over. I am about to change the lower bearing in mine. It’s not making noise, but I can tell it’s wore out. Here’s what I have found that I am replacing it with.

M109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing

Wolff Engineering M109SS Lower Steering Column Cartridge Bearing for Saginaw columns with 2" jacket and 1" shaft. This cartridge bearing is designed around a precision, sealed deep-groove radial ball bearing. The cartridge body is constructed of acetal and is precisely toleranced to insure...

www.wolffeng.com

That is way overpriced. Crown, that makes all the repo Jeep parts, makes that bearing kit, as MANY jeeps used GM columns. You can get that kit off the bay or amazon for around 32 bucks, delivered.

 

[MMOTT]

That is way overpriced. Crown, that makes all the repo Jeep parts, makes that bearing kit, as MANY jeeps used GM columns. You can get that kit off the bay or amazon for around 32 bucks, delivered.

I agree, it is expensive. But, from what I have read, it is way better than the stock replacement. Guess I need to do some more research to decide if it’s actually worth it or not.

 

[Robert Bare]

I agree, it is expensive. But, from what I have read, it is way better than the stock replacement. Guess I need to do some more research to decide if it’s actually worth it or not.

Well if you are not a rock crawler or serious off road racer, don't see the need when stock ones last 20 years or more. But is your cash.

Crown Automotive 4487696K Steering Column Bearing Kit for 76-95 Jeep CJ Series & Wrangler YJ

Fixing a loose, clunky, squeaky steering column on a CJ or YJ is as easy as getting this Crown Automotive Steering Column Bearing Kit. Located inside the column at the firewall where the upper and lower shafts meet, this replacement bearing kit restores the tight feel while driving.

www.quadratec.com