pekoe1111

I had some slop in my steering wheel (manual) so I removed my steering wheel. Shaft seems to be easily moving around at top where there are splines. Went to falconparts.com (full disclosure - it's a Falcon) and they carry a white nylon sleeve that goes at the top of the shaft to deal with this.

Two questions:

Have others this problem solved by using the sleeve?
Is it safe to drive until I get the sleeve?

Here is the part:

1960-1965 STEERING COLUMN BEARING SLEEVE Category: STEERING PARTS
Product ID: B1AZ-3518-A
Description: This is the sleeve that goes between the steering shaft and the upper bearing located in the turn signal flange. This part will keep the steering shaft centered and eliminate slop at the top of the steering column.
Price: $8.49

ThanksDad

I have the same problem. A new sleeve did not fix mine. On mine the sleeve does not seat itself far enough down the shaft to fix the sloppyness. Bad explanation but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Gun Jam

I would try a new bushing...mine is MS and does not have any noticeable play.

-Gun

cprstreetmachines

Yes, you need that sleeve. It behind the wheel is what holds it firm in it's place. The original was metal though. Wonder why they sell plastic....other than cheaper ?

pekoe1111

Is it safe to drive without it?

cprstreetmachines

Eh. Not as safe. the wheel is going to move a ton before your wheels actually do. Steering is going to be very delayed. I wouldn't personally.

pekoe1111

>>>>>"Description: This is the sleeve that goes between the steering shaft and the upper bearing located in the turn signal flange."

Ordered the part and won't drive the car (for probably a week waiting for the part!).

Question: Do I have to remove any part of the turn signal flange described above? Or can I just remove the wheel and put it into the space around the shaft?

Thanks

BB