Steering Shaft Binding Problem

[BrewCityCobra]

So I am in the process of assembling the top and middle pieces of the steering shaft (using the spring washers) and the fit is incredibly tight. To the point I needed to use a hammer to get it to slide in (this is before the washers are even introduced. At the risk of realizing I've already ruined these pieces - can somebody talk me off the ledge. Is the fit supposed to be that tight? Is this an issue and do I need to pull them apart and work the pieces to make it so it will slide more easily?

[RBachman]

I seem to remember having to clean up the ends and may have used a little lubricant.

[egchewy79]

Try sanding the shaft a bit and lube. Measure with calipers can let you know if you're in the right ballpark. I had to tap mine with a hammer a bit, but not to the point of ruining anything.

[edwardb]

Don't use a hammer!! A least not unless very light taps. It should go in without too much resistance. Make sure both are clean (e.g. no rust or whatever) and straight. Emory cloth a little can help too. If you have to hammer it in you'll likely not get it back out and FWIW also not collapse like it's supposed to. Not that any of us have in plans to exercise that option.

[BrewCityCobra]

Don't use a hammer!! A least not unless very light taps. It should go in without too much resistance. Make sure both are clean (e.g. no rust or whatever) and straight. Emory cloth a little can help too. If you have to hammer it in you'll likely not get it back out and FWIW also not collapse like it's supposed to. Not that any of us have in plans to exercise that option.

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing as I was putting it together. Certainly won't collapse in a crash situation unless my chest is stronger than a sledgehammer.

Looks like a little slide hammer action is in my future - hopefully I didn't go beyond the point of no return.

[chjort]

I had the same problem. When I felt inside the lower shaft I had a pretty substantial burr in there. Cleaned it up with a file and with a little oil it slid together great. Also if you have the upper bearing installed, make sure it's loose. That will help getting the shafts to go together.

[ggunter]

Mine was easy to install and I had it in and out a dozen times but once I put the spring washers in it was a different story lubricant helped a lot but it is really tight.

[BrewCityCobra]

Glad to know I'm not alone. Mine is officially stuck as of tonight so hopefully I can get it pulled back apart and filed down.

[phileas_fogg]

I had to pull my upper shaft out to get rid of some surface rust. I couldn't find a slide hammer with the right adapter to thread into the bolt, so I used some all-thread I had laying around & made what rock climbers call a "funkness device". You use about 3' of rope (I used 7 mm accessory cord, but 1/4" manila rope will work) & tie a barrel knot around the all-thread. Then you tie a loop into the other end of the rope. Slip a hammer through the loop so that it's close the the head & then swing the hammer outward. The rope pulls the shaft right out.

If you want pictures I can recreate what I did to illustrate.


John

[BrewCityCobra]

I had to pull my upper shaft out to get rid of some surface rust. I couldn't find a slide hammer with the right adapter to thread into the bolt, so I used some all-thread I had laying around & made what rock climbers call a "funkness device". You use about 3' of rope (I used 7 mm accessory cord, but 1/4" manila rope will work) & tie a barrel knot around the all-thread. Then you tie a loop into the other end of the rope. Slip a hammer through the loop so that it's close the the head & then swing the hammer outward. The rope pulls the shaft right out.

If you want pictures I can recreate what I did to illustrate.


John

I think I'm following what you are describing here. Thanks! I'll give that a shot.

[AC Bill]

I had to look up barrel knot..that grips the all-thread that well? Amazing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRfjF5TcQbw

[phileas_fogg]

Here are some pictures of what I described. The first is a loose barrel knot; the second is the device. When you're done, you'll have a VERY difficult time untying the knots.

Also, your binding problem may be the pillow block bearing and not the shaft, especially if you painted the shaft to prevent rust. You can easily find where the problem lies by taking the pillow block loose; if the upper shaft slides but the bearing doesn't, or vice versa, you've found the problem.


John

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849576948_44a3894662_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ktpnDW)IMG_6318 (https://flic.kr/p/2ktpnDW) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50850391962_26abaf5921_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kttxVU)IMG_6322 (https://flic.kr/p/2kttxVU) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

[nucjd19]

Here are some pictures of what I described. The first is a loose barrel knot; the second is the device. When you're done, you'll have a VERY difficult time untying the knots.

Also, your binding problem may be the pillow block bearing and not the shaft, especially if you painted the shaft to prevent rust. You can easily find where the problem lies by taking the pillow block loose; if the upper shaft slides but the bearing doesn't, or vice versa, you've found the problem.


John

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849576948_44a3894662_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ktpnDW)IMG_6318 (https://flic.kr/p/2ktpnDW) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50850391962_26abaf5921_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kttxVU)IMG_6322 (https://flic.kr/p/2kttxVU) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

Old Rock climber from the 80's here. I love what you did with the barrel knot. Is your Avatar pic you climbing at whiteside Mountain NC? I loved climbing there. Broke my ankle on the original route in 1992 from a bad lead fall.

[phileas_fogg]

I too learned to climb in the 80's, & climbed at Whiteside circa 1986-7. The picture is actually at the top of Seneca Rocks in WV, taken by Pablo Durana (who's now free-lancing with Jimmy Chin, of Free Solo fame).

And now back to our regularly scheduled thread. :D


John