Replacing steering column lower seal (Pin Removal)

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sgrip65

sgrip65

66 Dart GT 273, 65 Dart GT 273 HiPo
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Hello Members. Can anyone provide some advice on replacing the seal on the steering coupler on an early A 65 Dart? I need to drive/push/remove the pin out of the lower end of the steering shaft in order to slide the new seal onto the shaft. The seal that seals The top end of the coupler. The problem is that pin, mounted through the steering shaft, seems very well "INSTALLED." What is the best way to remove that pin, and for that question, will there be issues with reinstalling the pin? Thanks for the advice.....much appreciated. sgrip65
 
We just went over this in another thread a couple days ago. That pin is a very tight press fit. If you drive it out with a big hammer, you'll struggle to get it centered when driving it back in. If the pin doesn't show significant wear and need replacing, don't drive it out. Remove the steering wheel and a small snap ring at the upper bearing, rub away burrs and rust above upper bearing, slide the entire shaft down and out. This is how the column was built.
If the pin is worn, a new one is included in box coupling rebuild kit. Pull the shaft, take it to a press.
 
the rubber seal will stretch over the pin, it's a bit of a struggle but it will go and retain it's shape. btdt.

Gary
 
I drove my pin out and put in a new one that came with the rebuild kit I bought. I only did it though because the old one was worn enough that there was some play when the new "Coupler Shoes" (if you want to call them that) were put over the pin. Getting the old one out wasn't bad and the new one went in without TOO much trouble. Then I just had to measure each side and tweak its position until it was centered.

That being said,... chrgdrt is correct that the new seal will stretch over that pin. Can't replace the coupler cover with the pin in though. I bought one of the OEM designed spring clips that go over it and keep the cap seated on the coupler just to make sure it stayed in place properly. I'll see if I can find a picture of the spring retainer.

Spring Retainer 1.jpg
 
I never saw a reason to remove the pin to rebuild these.
I also see no reason for the wire bail, if properly rebuilt it will not come apart.
I prebent the tabs at about a 45^ angle, assembled everything and with a couple clamps clamped the assembly together as tight as I could get it, (a press might be easier)
I then used a drift and drove all the tabs in and down. On this one I didn't catch that one of tabs got pinched in, it is still that way.
It would take a hammer and chisel to get this thing apart.
2008-08-23_001.jpg



Alan
 
Thank you very much to all you Great Members who offered your help. Having some previous experiences from those who have completed this project saves me the time, mistakes, and the money to get it done right. FABO is certainly a great place to be for us MOPAR enthusiasts. I appreciate the help and the pics. I think, based upon these supplied answers, that I can proceed without destroying too much valuable materials. Alan, your closeup pic helps a bunch. Thanks. sgrip65

Frnknsteen said:
I drove my pin out and put in a new one that came with the rebuild kit I bought. I only did it though because the old one was worn enough that there was some play when the new "Coupler Shoes" (if you want to call them that) were put over the pin. Getting the old one out wasn't bad and the new one went in without TOO much trouble. Then I just had to measure each side and tweak its position until it was centered.

That being said,... chrgdrt is correct that the new seal will stretch over that pin. Can't replace the coupler cover with the pin in though. I bought one of the OEM designed spring clips that go over it and keep the cap seated on the coupler just to make sure it stayed in place properly. I'll see if I can find a picture of the spring retainer.

View attachment 1715270820[/QUOT
Click to expand...
 
Frnknsteen said:
I drove my pin out and put in a new one that came with the rebuild kit I bought. I only did it though because the old one was worn enough that there was some play when the new "Coupler Shoes" (if you want to call them that) were put over the pin. Getting the old one out wasn't bad and the new one went in without TOO much trouble. Then I just had to measure each side and tweak its position until it was centered.

That being said,... chrgdrt is correct that the new seal will stretch over that pin. Can't replace the coupler cover with the pin in though. I bought one of the OEM designed spring clips that go over it and keep the cap seated on the coupler just to make sure it stayed in place properly. I'll see if I can find a picture of the spring retainer.

View attachment 1715270820
Click to expand...
z

Hi Steen. Where did you purchase your repair kit? If you could help me with that answer, I would appreciate it. Best. sgrip65
 
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