Do all 1959 Plymouths have loose steering. I have replaced all the front end parts in my 59 and it still feels loose. Maybe the Corvettes I have owned have spoiled me. Anyone have pointers on how to tighten the steering or what I need to rebuild?
Not only 59 Plymouths but all Chrysler Products have what you might call loose steering, that is, a very light touch to make the car move from side to side or turn a corner. It’s the nature of the beast. If you have a lot of play in the steering wheel, that is, the wheel moves quite a bit from side to side and the car does not respond you can adjust the steering. On the top of the steering box is a large nut with a slotted adjuster in the middle of the nut. Loosen the nut and tighten the adjuster a little until the play is gone, you might have to do it several times, do not tighten it too much. Dont forget to tighten the Big nut after you have it like you want. If you have a maintenance manual look adjusting sterring up.
Dick.
I will try that. Thanks for the tip.
I just had that same problem after my front end rebuild. The guy tried to adjust the box but it didn’t help. turns out the the steering shaft insulator bushing was shot.
http://www.oldmoparts.com had them for $7.50, made a big difference! I thought I was going to have to replace my steering box but this completely fixed it.
Mine has “touchy, light” steering too. You gotta really focus on steering, can’t look around too much, actually not at all. Mine did improve greatly though after I installed new shocks and radial tires, but still could be better. Never touched the adjustment on box; afraid it might make it worse, but definitely will check into steering shaft insulator.
I think I will try that also.
What does it entail to change the insulator bushing? Is it a big deal or relatively simple?
It’s pretty easy! You have to remove the steering wheel and unhook the wiring harnesses from the column ( there is a spring, some washer and a spacer that goes in the bearing under the wheel keep those in order). Then there is a clamp in the engine compartment where the column meets the steering box- loosen that. Next unbolt the clamp that holds the column to the dash and slide the column off the steering shaft. The steering shaft is held to the steering box with a roll pin, this is where the insulator bushing is. Use a punch and drive out the pin and the shaft will come loose. make sure you mark which way the shaft was into the steering box, if you put it back 180 degrees off your steering wheel will be upside down! If you have anymore questions feel free to send me a PM.
Heres a link to the forward look forum with some pics
Durke
Perfect timing!! Just received a call from my mechanic late this afternoon. He said he has the steering box out but thinks it needs an insulator sleeve. I saw this posting last night. I will contact Andy Bernbaum first thing tomorrow morning.
Anybody have a picture of this page in a Shop Manual??
Thanks for your help.
Ken Morton
59 Fury 4 door Hardtop.
I am not sure what is meant by insulator sleeve. Years ago when I had my steering gear out for rebuild, I noticed a rubber insulator (much like a sleeve) at the far end of the steering shaft. Without this, the horn won’t function. Could this be the sleeve under discussion?
I have a set of three 1959 Plymouth Service Manuals…one of them delves into the topics of Steering, and separately, Coaxial Steering. There are exploded views, and directions, but to be honest, I do not truly understand the technical stuff. If I could be instructed how to post the appropriate pages, I would be happy to do so. As far as I can see, none of the views shows an insulator sleeve.
I called Andy Bernbaum this morning. He doesn’t have the Steering Shaft Insulator.
Any suggestions of other sources??
Thanks!
Ken Morton
kenmorton@comcast.net
I have the same problem with my 59 Fury. Received a call yesterday from my mechanic that I need a steering shaft insulator.
Called Andy Bernbaum first thing this morning but he does not have any. Any suggestions regarding other sources??
Trying to get this ready for Carlisle.
Thanks!
Ken Morton
kenmorton@comcast.net
I wonder if these guys can help?
Or these guys…
Dan
If someone could post the P/N for this item, I will try to locate one (or more).
I simply don’t know what part you are discussing…a sleeve, a bushing, a seal?
-roger-
Thanks Dan for providing the two leeds. Sent both an e-mail already. Also contacted a few old sources by e-mail earlier (hope they are still in business) and there is a place in California I will try tomorrow.
I will let you know how I make out.
Ken
Roger: It is called an insulator, but to some people may call it a bushing. It is a thick rubber piece that goes between the steering shaft and the steering box.
I really need to get a Shop Manual
Ken
Roger, not sure my last reply went through. This is a thick rubber piece that goes between the steering shaft and the gear box. That’s about the best description I can give. I need to get a Shop Manual for this car.
Ken
Here’s the pertinent page from the shop manual, courtesy of Roger Howard! Click on the image to see the full-size version.
After following this topic closley and since everything was readily accesable I decided to take a look and see if I needed to replace the rubber Insulator in Reddie, most other makes call it a rag joint. It cuts down on the vibration coming to the steering wheel and prevents metal to metal contact. It fits into and over a toungue and groove joint just above the steering box. It’s actually called a Steering Shaft Insulator. Gary Goers Part # 24B. $10.65. I really needed to replace the Steering Column Floor Seal #521. $35.00 and Steering Column Seal #333. $20.00 so I went all the way to take a look. Mine was OK except for a small split but I’m going to replace it anyway. If you order the #521 Floor Seal Gary wants you to send him the old core, I’m assuming it’s the old seal and the metal plate that bolts to the floor. You will probably also need a Steering Tube Insulator that fits over the steering box hub and into the end of the outer column. Part #485. $10.25. I had one and haven’t the faintest idea where it came from. Sometimes it pays to be a packrat. Add 15% for return shipping and sent a note and a check to:
Gary Goers
37Amdahl Lane
Kalispell, MT. 59901
Don’t bother to try calling, it’s actually faster to just send the order.
Please forgive my spelling.
Dick
Oh, by the way, everybody with a 1955 and later MOPAR needs to have a Gary Goers Catalog. It’s been updated with new items and there is a new price list. $5.00 plus 15%. Thank God for Gary, otherwise we would be SOL.
Dick.
Gary Goers
37 Amdahl Lane
Kalispell, MT. 59901