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I should know the answer to this as I recently pulled my steering column out and replaced the bushings. I have my generator out for rebuild and attempting to pull my steering box to re seal. I have removed the pinch bolt from the upper shaft and tried to pull it out of the universal but it will not come free. It did slide up just a bit but it's now will not budge. Am I missing something? It was quite the mess taking the generator out with the power steering pump attached. I thought now is the perfect time to tackle the leaky steering box as well.
You would think there was enough room to just undo the pinch bolt and slide it out but I had the same problem a couple of years ago. In the end I found it easier to undo the bolts holding the steering column under the dash along with the three bolts on the floor seal then pull the steering column up and away from the U/J. I also found it easier to put the splines of the steering column back into the U/J this way with the help of my wife. She pushed the steering column down from inside the car whilst I was under the car directing the splines into the U/J. Not an easy job on a RHD car with the carbs in the way but might be easier with a LHD car.
It's a lot easier with a LHD car. However my guy had little difficulty both ways in & out due to our favourite seal damage on the splines by not using common sense by the rebuilder. A subject you have covered in depth numerous times if you don't have the Churchill sheath.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jun 8, 2023 at 04:41 AM.
I just did the bearings in my column too. Yes you have to align the unjoint before bolting the column in, there just isn't room to slide it all together. I pried from both sides and was concerned about breaking something. I was able to do it by myself though if that helps.
It depends on the depth of the upper CV joint on the column in the engine compartment. They made them in different lengths over the years. Mine has the deep plunging joint not requiring one to touch the steering column inside the car. Cars fitted with the short CV joint require the column inside the car to be loosened.
Short joint:
Long plunging joint:
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Jun 8, 2023 at 07:09 AM.
Removing Upper Steering Shaft Removal
