Can anyone ID this steering column?

767Jockey · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 07:46 PM

This is the steering column in my Contemporary. It has play and movement in the up and down direction. There's no tortional play in the rotational direction just a definite thumping movement when you lift the wheel up and down. It's not terrible, but I know that when I start driving this thing one day it's going to drive me nuts. Are there adjustments inside that I can make, or bearings that can be replaced? Anyone know how I fix this, and where I can get parts for it? If not, is this column or something else that would work still available? Any and all info and ideas are appreciated.
By the way, I know the underdash area in the second photo is a mess. The wires are all over the place. I'm going to rewire the whole instrument panel - or at least neaten it up considerably. That'll be all straightened out before I hit the road. What a mess - I have lots of work ahead of me! Thanks, guys.

[IMG]

[/IMG]

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 09:40 PM

Looks like it's either made for the car or it's Type 1 VW.
I'd take it apart and see if there are bearings or bushings inside. Probably something will be very worn or broken.
Good luck.
Larry

767Jockey · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMH

Looks like it's either made for the car or it's Type 1 VW.
I'd take it apart and see if there are bearings or bushings inside. Probably something will be very worn or broken.
Good luck.
Larry

Type 1 VW - what VW does that come from? If I went to the VW parts counter needing a bushing, what car would I tell him in order for the parts guy to look it up? Anyone know?

LMH · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 11:11 PM

Type 1 is the common air-cooled Beetle. Early 60's to maybe 68 (or there abouts) would be the most likely years if it is indeed a VW column. That's what your turn signal switch is from.
If you can take out the bearings/bushings, try taking them to a local bearing store. They may be able to order new ones cheaper than an auto parts store.
HTH,
Larry

FFR428 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 07:33 AM

Vee-Dub in da house.......

http://www.classicveedub.com.au/default.asp

They are in Aussie land but maybe the site will help you track down what you need. I'm sure there are US suppliers but that's the only bug parts site I had in my favs.

G.

jarendall · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 05:02 PM

looks very similar to my ShellValley steering, the aluminum tube is much shorter, could have been modified to fit your car, the plastic spacers are an add on also, my steering has two pilot bearings one in each end of the aluminum tube, the steering shaft is steel, go to ShellValley's web site and look at their steering column, the modified tube may only have one pilot bearing giving you the slop in the steering wheel

bbrown · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 07:59 PM

Actually it looks like it may be an MGB steering tube with an aluminum sleeve to mount the VW turn signal switch. The original AC cars used an MGB column when they switched to rack and pinion, but the turn signal adapter sleeve looked different.

Your column is sticking out pretty far from the dash, so I'm not quite sure if it is an MGB.

Moss Motors has replacement bushings for MGB steering columns. They are in Calif and they are on the web.

Good luck
Bert Brown

767Jockey · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2007, 10:40 PM

Wow - we may have a winner! I went on the Moss motors site - the exploded MGB column diagram is difficult to see, but from what I CAN tell, it sure looks very similar. The bushings are available, and with shipping were about $17.00 for the pair. I ordered them - for 17 bucks what the hell. If they fit, it's a solution to a problem I thought I couldn't solve. If they don't - hey it's only 17 bucks! Thanks so much for the tip. If we meet at any event, the first cold one's on me!

Doug

767Jockey · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Wow - we may have a winner! I went on the Moss motors site - the exploded MGB column diagram is difficult to see, but from what I CAN tell, it sure looks very similar. The bushings are available, and with shipping were about $17.00 for the pair. I ordered them - for 17 bucks what the hell. If they fit, it's a solution to a problem I thought I couldn't solve. If they don't - hey it's only 17 bucks! Thanks so much for the tip. If we meet at any event, the first cold one's on me!

Doug

Just an update - the bushings came today, and they fit PERFECTLY !!

Thanks again, Bert. The top bushing is plastic, the bottom one is felt, beliefve it or not. Does anyone know what type of grease can I put on the shaft at the top bushing that won't hurt the plastic? Thanks.
Doug

LMH · #10 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 09:46 PM

Good to hear you find the parts. I'd probably use Moly grease but maybe someone else has something better.
Larry