The Dodge Challenger Message Board

How do you detach the steering box from the steering column input shaft?

charliek wrote:How do you detach the steering box from the steering column input shaft?

the steering column can collapse, it is telescopic.
There are two ways to do this.
1) You must remove the coupler cover (small cover attached with 4 bent tabs to the coupler body), and push the steering column up towards the steering wheel (you may need a vise clamp to do this). Don't push it too far, there are safety plastic tabs inside the column to limit movement to a few inches.

2) Using a punch and hammer, remove the pin in the coupler body (you may have to turn the wheel to see and align it). Push the coupler/column assembly up.

If you are planning to replace the steering box, use the second method. It's easier to remove the pin on the car, than it is with the box on the workbench.

I always just punch the pin out.

I have an old screwdriver that I have cut the end off which is the perfect shaft diameter for punching this pin out. I keep it with all the other "special tools" I have made over the years for specific jobs on the car.

Dave, Since you are in England, is that a "right hand drive" steering pin removal tool?

jh27n0b wrote:Dave, Since you are in England, is that a "right hand drive" steering pin removal tool?

No. It is a left handed one made for the American market so the right hand can stay in the trousers.

Charliek
When you get ready to reconnect the column to the steering gear be sure to properly allign the splines and use some grease to help it slid back on.
Also for removal of the steering gear from the frame 2 of the bolts come out toward the front of the car and one is removes toward the rear.

Thanks so much for your advice, will get right on it.

Charlie

fbernard:
You say that the steering column should slide up towards the steering wheel. Are you referring to the lower shaft? If so, how hard should it be to slide back to lenghtened position. I think my problem may be mine has slid to the 'short' position but I cant seem to slide it back to the extended position. Seems as though it is about 2" short ... Any trick needed here? Thank you

petrodad wrote:fbernard:
You say that the steering column should slide up towards the steering wheel. Are you referring to the lower shaft?

Yes, I'm speaking about the lower shaft (it slides in the upper tube). If it's never been taken apart, it won't be easy. It can come up so that only 10 to 12 inches will be protruding from the firewall, but that's without the plastic safety pins (my column doesn't have those anymore, so I don't know how much they restrict movement).
In my case, it took a few gentle blows with a hammer to get the column moving.

I took it apart, cleaned everything, lubed the shaft, so that it moves easier now.