'57 STEERING COLUMN REBUILD

[57lair]

Need some help here. I'm rebuilding the upper section of my steering column and have run into two problems. First, I forgot the steering column tanged (thrust) washer during assemble and the column shifter wouldn't budge (automatic) Second, I took it all apart, bought the washer and all other upper column rebuild parts, proceeded with re-assembly. Here's where the problem is...What keeps the thrust washer in place? I see two small ribs inside the column and if I lay the washer on those, then the tang lays on the edge of the column, and when I put the shifter color on then the notched washer then when I try to install the locking pawl, it wont latch into the slots on the column housing. (oh, if you'r wondering why I can't remember how it went together, is because I took it apart 10 years ago when I stsrted my project?
Is everybody totally confused? I am.

[chevman57]

Do you have the shop manual ? If not you need to get one. They have an exploded view of the column in there. Also send an e-mail to 57viper (Bob) and ask for a tech article on it.
His e-mail is 1bobis@comcast.net
Terry

[57lair]

Thank's Terry, I'll give him a try. I'm still open to more options

[Watchdog]

Its a pain in the booty no matter how you slice it. Your going to need the tech article with the exploded view. This will show the correct sequence of putting it back together. Even still, it may take a few tries, especially with the horn. I just did it to mine and I am glad its over.

[557B210]

57lair...Here is an illustration from the Assembly Manual....Its the RH drive, because the LH is not very clear...However, for the parts you are concerned with, it makes no difference.

[acardon]

David, it does make a difference. Right hand drive cars use a 56 steering column and the 57 is different. Here is the 57.....http://www.trifive.com/garage/57%20C...Manual/7-4.gif

Part Q is a cam that controls the end play of the shift collar. Q is held in place by screw XX and sits on some indentations in the outer jacket. By rotateing Q it will cam the collar up or down to get the proper end play (.003-.011") of the shift collar. There is a hole in the collar to adjust the screw XX after it's assembled.
The 55/56 columns use washers of different thicknesses to control the end play.

[557B210]

Thanks Don...I remember that now that you pointed it out...Good catch For some reason, when I first pulled up the LH drive the image was fuzzy....Its okay now...Might need to get my glasses checked.

[57lair]

Well, 57viper(Bob) sent me the article and it was great. Problem is, it stopped short of where I'm having my problem. The article only goes as far as replacing the turnsignal switch (upper housing) What I'm looking for is when you then remove (install) the lower housing (selector lever housing). There is a tanged thrust washer under this housing and I can't figure out how the installation is done.
Still at square one....

[acardon]

Originally Posted by 57lair

Well, 57viper(Bob) What I'm looking for is when you then remove (install) the lower housing (selector lever housing). There is a tanged thrust washer under this housing and I can't figure out how the installation is done.

The tanged washer "Q" in the link I posted above is the adjustment cam. The picture shows where the screw hole is and "XX" is the screw that holds it.

[57lair]

Thanks Don. Now I see where my problem is. The "Q" I have is for a 55-56 steering column. Guess I need to try and find the cam adjuster for the 57. (got one)

Carvel