Steering Column falls apart!

[CJason7]

I just bought my CJ7 . When I got it it had a problem where you could pull the steering wheel and the shaft would move axially in the column. You could pull it up so far that the lock plate no longer caught on the lock pin. I took the column out this weekend and now the shaft came all the way out of the column. Turns out the only thing holding the wheel in was the intermediate shaft u-joint.

I can't figure out what is supposed to hold the shaft and column together. Does anyone have a rebuild write-up?

thanks in advance

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You need to get a real factory service manual. NOT Chilton or Haynes, there junk. IMO
Good luck,
LG

 

[gert]

you should have a GM tilt/non tilt steering column, def not safe the way it is I found a few you tubes showing the rebuild of a tilt column https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUt6fJN8EE

below link contains parts diagram basically your steering shaft rides on bearings and is held into the column via snap rings top and bottom
CJ7 Steering colum Parts Diagram needed

only requires some time a few parts and 1 special tool ($15 at autozone) to rebuild whole thing

 

[gert]

Also welcome aboard from Texas neighbor

 

[CJason7]

In this diagram, 10.336-1 is upper bearing I believe. It is able to slide onto the shaft until it hits 10334-5 (snap ring). Nothing seems to hold it from going the other way off the shaft.

 

[CJason7]

I have the column in pieces already. I assumed by taking it apart I'd figure out what pieces are missing, but now I'm just stumped.

 

[gert]

10.703-2 is the upper snap ring that holds the steering lock in place and it has a fairly strong spring behind it(10-344-4) that pushes on the upper bearing , at the end of the column tube(inside engine bay) should be 10.346-1/10.765/10.347/and 10.348 all that is supposed to keep it from pulling up into the interior, I have seen the snap ring come out before

 

[addicted01]

Gert - Forgive my ignorance, what's the special tool that's needed?

thanks

 

[Neuner]

Also welcome aboard from Texas neighbor

Another recruit for the Roosevelt Rough Riders...

 

[gert]

Gert - Forgive my ignorance, what's the special tool that's needed?

thanks

steering lock compressor/puller you can rent from autozone or O reilly's

Steering Wheel Lock Plate | AutoZone.com