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Old 12-03-2012, 01:39 PM
jasonL78 jasonL78 is offline
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Default Re: Steering column question

Yes a shear point. A steering column is designed to collapse at a certain pressure or downward force when you are in an accident. So the steering column doesn’t go through the driver. There are 2 other shear points on the column also. They are located on the steering column housing and the studs go through them to hold the steering column to the dash with a nut. They are aluminum with 4 plastic injection mold points. Between the inner shaft and the outer housing if these shear points are loose or broke you will need a new steering column. I was amazed when I took my first steering column apart (a 1970 nova) and the same design was still being used today. Well that was when I worked in the steering column plant from 1995-2002.

As for a u-joint you may be able to convert. It will all come down to trial and error. I don't know or have seen any...

Jason
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