Steering coupler

[mriz]

My steering is a little vague (1977 coupe )so Im going to start at the coupler and go from there. Do I just un-bolt the coupler itselfe or do any other componets have to come off such as the u joint or lower rod? It's not really covered well in the manual I have. Thanks.

[AxtellZ]

Just unbolt it. Pay attention to which way the metal "frame" around is situated, for reassembly. And make sure you keep the steering wheel in the same postion, or you may put it back together with the horn button upside down...

[Bambikiller240]

I suggest using some cord to tie the steering wheel so that it cannot rotate as you disconnect the coupler.

[Daniel]

With only 4 bolts as long as you start with the wheel straight it very obvious if you're off. Carl ,that tying it off is a good thought, but those bolts are a pain in the butt even with the wheel free. Mriz,that replacement of the coupler will give you a definite better feel. You're sure to notice it.

[Bambikiller240]

When I replaced mine, I got the bolts loose, then tied off the wheel and it worked OK. The best way to do this is when you have the engine out of the car. You can sit in the engine bay and do it at leisure.

[Ed]

Look at the bushings on your steering rack. If those are old and worn then a lot of steering play can come from that. There are replacement urathane bushings available.

[mriz]

Thanks everyone. I like the idea of using cord to tie the wheel in place! Nothing better than advice from those who've been there done that.

[Ed]

The u-joints that are on the steering colum. Are they replaceable?

[Driftin Jon]

There's also a method to take up some of the wear and slack that may occur in the rack and pinion mechanism as well. I believe the service manuals tell you to loosen the large bolt on top of the steering gear and then use a slotted screwdriver to snug up the screw in the middle of the large locking bolt. Back off 20-25 degrees and then lock the bolt back down. The procedure is in the Chilton's manual and some good diagrams are in the Haynes manual as well.

Driftin Jon

[Bambikiller240]

I seem to recall someone in the past posting that they were unable to find replacement U Joints for that purpose. can't find the thread though

[Bambikiller240]

With only 4 bolts as long as you start with the wheel straight it very obvious if you're off. ........

You are right Daniel, but the part of the collumn above the coupler needs to not spin in either direction, becasue it has limit stops that keep it from rotating endlessly in either direction. You need to still make sure that you have an equal amount of steering wheel rotation in both R and L directions, otherwise steering will be a bitch.

[Ed]

You are right Daniel, but the part of the collumn above the coupler needs to not spin in either direction, becasue it has limit stops that keep it from rotating endlessly in either direction. You need to still make sure that you have an equal amount of steering wheel rotation in both R and L directions, otherwise steering will be a bitch.

I thought the limits are set by the gears in the rack / pinion that's inside the steering rack. The steering column above the coupler can rotate endlessly, can't it? And if it did rotate while the coupler is disassembled then the steering wheel would turn and be misalligned.