Newbie, steering shaft removal

[CJ777]

How do you remove the steering shaft ?

 

[BajaEdition]

I do not think I have ever removed a shaft from a column before, I have replaced entire columns. Does Haynes or Chiltons have this info in them? I think that wold be the first place to look as they would have pictures and / or step by step instructions.

 

[CJ777]

I have the Haynes , but it basically just says to remove the the steering shaft. Not a hole lot of description.

 

[IOPort51]

I have the Haynes , but it basically just says to remove the the steering shaft. Not a hole lot of description.

maybe it's so easy it doesn't need an explenation?

 

[coldwater]

Remove the bolt from the upper shaft where it bolts to the column, and remove the bolt from the lower shaft at the steering coupling at the box. If you're living right, you can tap the coupling down enough to slip the splines off the shaft. If not, you may need to loosten the steering column to get enough wiggle room to get it out of there. Any time I have to do this little operation, while the shaft is out, I drill out the nylon crush pad heat up the shaft and pound it loose so It will just be a slip joint. Grease it up good before you put it back in, and It'll be cake If you ever have to do it again. If you can find another full shaft ( should be easy and cheap) do It to the new one, then unbolt the old one in the Jeep, and put the saws all to it, slide the new one in place, and save yourself a lot of grief.

 

[CJ777]

Remove the bolt from the upper shaft where it bolts to the column, and remove the bolt from the lower shaft at the steering coupling at the box. If you're living right, you can tap the coupling down enough to slip the splines off the shaft. If not, you may need to loosten the steering column to get enough wiggle room to get it out of there. Any time I have to do this little operation, while the shaft is out, I drill out the nylon crush pad heat up the shaft and pound it loose so It will just be a slip joint. Grease it up good before you put it back in, and It'll be cake If you ever have to do it again. If you can find another full shaft ( should be easy and cheap) do It to the new one, then unbolt the old one in the Jeep, and put the saws all to it, slide the new one in place, and save yourself a lot of grief.

Thanks,

 

[DHugg]

I recently pulled the steering shaft from my '80 CJ7 AMC 304 w/ pwr steering. The shaft was rusted and wouldn't compress. I cut the upper swivel-joint on both sides - surprised how soft the joint bracket arms were - and took it apart.

BTW, the small cup-like bearings were turning only in rust-dust..... not a sign of oil anywhere.

 

[kmeyer]

I think your rust comment just answered another question - thanks!

 

[truk820]

Having trouble with taking out my column to get the tub off...any chance you have pictures to help me out?