Technical 63 impala steering issue

Hi,

noticed inder my steering colimn coupler grease has shot out, does that mean the bearings are gone? Also the coupler kit is hard to find here is australia

 

Pictures, we need pictures..

 

If you are talking about the coupler in the engine bay close to the rag joint.

All the internals of the coupler are the same as HQ to HZ Holden, the shaft itself is reverse layout of the Holden layout but the internals and spring clip are the same.

 

What he said!!
I rebuilt my coupler with HQ one. Just make sure you regularly grease the coupling and don’t let the coupling dry out.

 

Really? Thats awsome! Where can i get a hq one? Bursons?

 

Yeah when i brought the car the coupling never even had a rubber boot

 

I don’t think Bursons, Repco etc would have one. You may have to scour wreckers to find one. When I located one I had to buy the whole shaft from rag joint to where the coupler joins the end of the column. You’ll probably only use the internals of the coupler but you really don’t have many other options if you want to keep it looking original. Otherwise you might have to replace it with something from the aftermarket. Talk to someone who does steering shafts etc for hot rods cause they often have to work around headers etc and may be able to offer a solution.

 

Found one at rare spares mate he had plenty

 

Are they a hassle of a job to do?

 

Gotta admit never thought of Rare Spares. Good one.

 

Nope. Only basic tools needed. You are only going to use the internals of the Holden part. The steering will feel a lot better when you’ve fixed it

 

Yeah rare spares have a lot of good stuff, ok sweet thanks mate so the rubber boot wont fit?

 

Yeah, it should be fine. You’re only going to use the internal parts from the HQ coupler but the outside shell is the same as your Chevy so the boot and clip will fit. Holden used the coupling “upside down” when compared to the Chev.

 

Anyone know if it's safe to drive before i fix it?

 

It won't let go, but the steering will be a bit clunky.

 

It’s steering! Why would you want to drive it before you fix it? 36roadster is right, the steering won’t feel good but it’s still sorta connected to the wheels.

 

Because the shaft isn't snapped its just the bearing i assume are gone i cant even confirm as its only shot grease out were the rubber boot should have been. I thought that coupler was just to tale shock from the steering? The steering is still connected to the shaft

 

Yeah thats all i needed to know i got a couple hour cruise tomorrow for the rod run and have run out of time thats all

 

Any tips when changing it? Im about to attempt it

 

Sorry for the delay but if you haven’t already done so, lube up the bolts holding the rag joint and the upper clamp. Does your coupling have a grease nipple? If not, install one. A messy job if there’s any grease left inside but otherwise not a hard job.

 

All good mate ill do it during the week. I took it to the narrandera rod run was a great weekend as always