'71 bus loose steering column

[DjEep]

The steering column in my 71 is loose, as in it can be wiggled forward and backward a bit in it's shaft. Is this caused by "colin's coke can bushing"?

[Amskeptic]

The steering column in my 71 is loose, as in it can be wiggled forward and backward a bit in it's shaft. Is this caused by "colin's coke can bushing"?

Yep. I just picked up a real one from a junked '72. I don't know about it, looks kind of delicate. I think the diet coke bushing might be more robust. The spring under the steering wheel helps to press that bushing between the bearing and the actual steering shaft, that's what centers and quiets things down.
Do check your column support screws, four at the housing (phillips) and a couple of carefully torqued 10mm bolts with breakaway washers.
Colin

[BusBerd]

please explain.
what is this coke can bushing? where does it go?

[spiffy]

please explain.
what is this coke can bushing? where does it go?

http://www.sluggoproductions.com/iac/viewtopic.php?t=80

[westy78socal]

The steering column in my 71 is loose, as in it can be wiggled forward and backward a bit in it's shaft. Is this caused by "colin's coke can bushing"?

I've noticed a similar problem. Now all the screws to check are on the outside of the bus underneath? Or is there a way to get the steering off from the inside?

[Amskeptic]

The steering column in my 71 is loose, as in it can be wiggled forward and backward a bit in it's shaft. Is this caused by "colin's coke can bushing"?

I've noticed a similar problem. Now all the screws to check are on the outside of the bus underneath? Or is there a way to get the steering off from the inside?

Hunt with your intuition. Wiggle the steering wheel while you look in the vicinity of the column support under the dashboard. If the column support is stationary while the wheel clunks forwards and backwards, you might be looking at the upper steering bushing, it is a small little item subject to wearing away without lubrication. The bushing is directly under the spring that is pushed down by the steering wheel. Mine was in three pieces when I first accessed it. The Diet Coke can bushing is holding up very well.
Colin