Removing the column proves difficult

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by Hairy W Bush, Nov 16, 2019.

  1. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    I have the front end off the ground So i can rotate my bolt access, but I cannot for the life of me get enough leverage on my wrench over the rag joint. All the pipes I have won't work for my tight work area. What do?
     
  2. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    For rag joint bolt, I always use a 12 point socket and a couple feet of extensions.

    Just pulled the Fairlane apart last month to convert to P/S, no issues.
     
  3. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    Where did you put the socket? I just rounded one of the bolts with a wrench. I can't get a socket wrench to work nor the wrench attachment for a socket wrench.
     
  4. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Are you referring to the two bolts on upper part of coupler(I use box & ratchet wrenches on those) or the single bolt that connects joint to steering box? For that one, remove bolt as I prev described and the coupler should remain on column during removal. Note on reinstall there is one large spline that must match same on shaft when reassembling.
     
  5. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    The 2 bolts like you mentioned.
    It's very tight in that spot and the wrench is practically against the backo the cylinder head. My steering column no longer locks so I had a relative try and turn the wheel opposite way of my wrench. Nothing accomplished today.
     
  6. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Well I dunno what to say, I had one out of my Comet when rebuilt front end.

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    well damn this isn't good.
    if I remove the single bolt that connects the joint to the steering box, will I be able to pull the column at least up to where the joint touches the firewall??
     
  8. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    If you remove the whole firewall plate it will come through no problem.
    20191117_110701.jpg

    On the rag joint bolts, I believe the bolt uses a 1/2 inch wrench and the nut is 9/16. What size were you using? Might not be stripped just need the correct size, I have made that mistake before!
    20191117_110733.jpg
     
  9. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    Oh duh. I should just undo the bolt in the box and it all comes through? Ok. Yea I have the plate unbolted. I wanted that off and to do that the column needs to move.
    I used a 1/2.
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2019
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  10. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Yep, the hole in the firewall is pretty big so it isn't an issue.
     
  11. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    Hey guys, which single bolt are you referring to? I'm at the car and the bolt I was thinking was just a plug for grease...
     
  12. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    The one on the rag joint. 20191123_105732.jpg
     
  13. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    Got it! Letting the penetrant sink into it now. I have a new joint while I'm at it.
     
  14. Hairy W Bush

    Hairy W Bush Member

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    Ok that bolt is out, buy the column still only wants to move about half an inch and stop. I've got a long prybar prying on that collar and it still won't budge. Am I doing the right thing here and it's just stuck?
     
  15. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Where the bolt goes through the coupler is split, get that to the top and spread it apart a little bit. That will free it up to slide off. You can put something in and twist or tap a chisel in it. Don't beat on it too hard or you can damage the bearings.
     

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