View Full Version : Steering shaft removal
davekp
10-14-2020, 08:03 AM
I need to remove the lower steering shaft. Any hints? I assume I have to remove the upper shaft first. The assembly manual talks about a set screw on the upper shaft, but I'm not sure. The body is on, so it's tough to see anything looking up from the footbox. A picture from the top (with body off) would be a great help. I have the Russ Thompson turn signal mod.
Thanks!
Avalanche325
10-14-2020, 05:16 PM
IIRC, you need to pull the steering rack out of the mounts and move it forward.. Easy, only two bolts that are easy to get to.
davekp
10-14-2020, 05:59 PM
IIRC, you need to pull the steering rack out of the mounts and move it forward.. Easy, only two bolts that are easy to get to.
Yes, I'm aware of that. My issue is at the top end.
JohnK
10-14-2020, 06:41 PM
Is this the set screw you're referring to?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136325&d=1602718863
davekp
10-15-2020, 07:20 AM
Is this the set screw you're referring to?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136325&d=1602718863
No, I can see that one. Is there one at the top, near the steering wheel hub?
What keeps the upper shaft into the lower?
Sdonnel
10-15-2020, 07:33 AM
When I installed my Russ Thompson hub and had to make adjustments, I had to keep the mounting bolts for the hub very loose and pull it out as far as I could. I then rotated the shaft so the set screw at the top of the upper shaft was in the 12 o'clock position. Loosen the set screw in this manner and it should make this a whole lot easier. The extra space you gain will assist in removing the lower shaft, but you will still need to remove the rack bolts as mentioned above. If you can remove the turn signal hub altogether, it may make it easier to do. My removal and adjustments were all done prior to body install.
Scott
Yes, there is a pillow block, behind the dash mounted to the 2" x 2" frame member. It has two set screws similar to the pillow block mounted on the front of the footbox, as shown in a previous post.
Outside the dash, you have the steering wheel, steering wheel hub, Russ Thompson's turn signal hub, then behind the dash you have the Russ Thompson shaft tube, then the pillow block with two set screws I'm talking about.
George
Mine also has a solid ring with set screws that is above the bearing at the very top.
Hoooper
10-15-2020, 11:35 AM
Mine has two set screws in each bearing. Two at the bearing at the end of the footbox and two at the bearing at the dash
davekp
10-15-2020, 02:32 PM
Mine has two set screws in each bearing. Two at the bearing at the end of the footbox and two at the bearing at the dash
Are the set screws on the dash pillow block on the forward or rearward side of the pillow block?
Norm B
10-15-2020, 03:40 PM
Are the set screws on the dash pillow block on the forward or rearward side of the pillow block?
That depends on which way you installed the pillow block. Mine are to the rear and I believe that's the direction the build manual shows.
davekp
10-15-2020, 06:03 PM
OK, tell me if I have this right.
The upper shaft's forward/aft movement is constrained by the rear pillow block while the lower shaft is constrained by the footbox bearing?
Sounds good to me.
Just make sure if you pull the lower shaft out of the front pillow box that you don't lose the cupped washers that are on the steering shaft that will remain in the footbox area. I used a bit of grease on my washers to keep them in place while I slid the upper steering wheel shaft into the tube section that is captured by the pillow box at the front of the footbox. Hope that makes sense.
George