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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:45 am

Hi, I’m re-assembling by ’51 rag, it didn’t come with a steering column sleeve, but have managed to get one from an Oval – I was told they’re the same.

Does anyone know how you get an upper bearing in. I couldn’t get hold of one, so bought a later style one from Barclay. I can get the bearing into the sleeve no problem, but can’t get the column in through the bearing. The top flange is too big, and half way down is horn sleeve section which is welded to the column.

Could anyone give me info?

Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:15 am

It should have a plastic type bushing, not a bearing.

The bushing does not exactly fit either. You will need to trial and error- make it fit with a dremel and a sanding wheel. Takes a little bit, but it will work.

Fri Jul 04, 2008 7:19 am

OK ok. Thanks for the help.

How do you got the column through it with the horn section in place?

Anyone know where I can get a bushing from?

Thanks

Fri Jul 04, 2008 7:46 am

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111415581A

Quote "How do you got the column through it with the horn section in place?"

-- You need to remove the steering wheel to put the bushing on. Then work on the bushing until the steering wheel fits.

Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:04 am

Perfect thanks. I had looked at WW, but obviosly missed it. I presume then you just have to have to force it over the flange/splines for thw steering wheel.
8)

Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:20 am

No, no.

You have to remove the shaft from the steering spline on bottom. There is a single bolt, tightens the c clamp, that holds the shaft to the steering "T". Kind of hard to explain.

for reference:

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/401936.gif

the peice I am referring to is to the lower right of the pic.

Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:23 am

OK, if I slide it up from the bottom, it would stop half way up, as there is a fatter part of the column for the horn contact.

I pressume the plastic bush has to sit at the top?

Maybe the fatter section for the horn contact should be removable? It's welded in on mine. :?

Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:04 am

rlegg wrote: I pressume the plastic bush has to sit at the top?

Maybe the fatter section for the horn contact should be removable? It's welded in on mine. :?

The horn contact area should be welded to the shaft. Perhaps your having trouble sliding the steering shaft down the tube because you haven't removed the horn contact brush itself? ?On the exterior side of the column, you'll see a small clip, remove it & slide the brush out. Now slide the steering shaft back down the column, and reinsert the brush & retaining clip.
Install the new plastic bushing on the backside of the steering wheel hub, slide steering wheel assembly unto the steering column shaft

Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:43 pm

The column goes into the sleave fine, it's just loose because of the lack of the plastic bush.

I'll have to wait till the new bush arrives & see what happens.

Thanks for all your help guys.