Steering coupling repair. - Dodge Diesel

Lil Dog · 02-28-2003, 11:00 AM

Well I hope you all can have a laugh at this one..

After some hummin and hawin I decided to replace the steering coupling with OEM.. After doing the math for exchange, getting the right fix from the states almost doubles the cost.

So pulled it all apart, put on the new socket on the steering box, then the new parts on the shaft and installed it. Now to the novice, I didn't pay too much attention to the steering wheel when I pulled it, other than the position it was in so it would be sorta straight when driving.

Well went for a test drive and hmmm, have a little resistance turning all the way to the right, then click.... No resistance.. ??? Huh...

Well went to try the cruise and no dice.. I researched this in the Chiltons and I must have had a turn in the wheel to the right that pulled the "Clockspring" for the cruise. This device is a ribbon tape in a box that connects the cruise to the column just behind the steering wheel. It has to be centered as in 2 1/5 turns from full right or you can pull the tape apart in the clockspring. Thats just what happened, the clockspring is toast and so is my cruise.

To those doing the steering repair, make sure that you have not turned it. I assumed that there were no corded connections to the wheel and it was all contacts.. That is not the case.

I'll learn someday. :-[

J-eh

Alec · 02-28-2003, 11:10 AM

That really sucks. Thanks for sharing, so that the rest of us may be reminded to think twice and :'( less. Don't feel bad, though, I managed to crush a roller in my replacement u-joint the other day -- got carried away with the press and wondered why I was having trouble getting the snap-ring in . . .

Lil Dog · 02-28-2003, 03:15 PM

Maybe we need a "Backyard Mechanics :'( Forum" .. Probably hear a couple doozies.. J-eh

Redleg · 02-28-2003, 03:48 PM

Great idea!

Lil Dog · 03-02-2003, 11:09 AM

Some good news for a change..LOL

Took the clockspring apart even though there are stickers saying "This assembly not Serviceable"

Anyway, found out I pulled the ribbon connector off of the circuit board. About 10 mins soldering and I have a new clockspring.. This time I will center it before I install it.

J-eh

Alec · 03-03-2003, 12:11 PM

Clockspring, transmission, just throw it away and buy a new one -- or better yet a whole new truck. Good job!

02-28-2003, 11:10 AM	#2
Alec Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Northwest MA Posts: 1,164 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering coupling repair. That really sucks. Thanks for sharing, so that the rest of us may be reminded to think twice and :'( less.<br><br>Don't feel bad, though, I managed to crush a roller in my replacement u-joint the other day -- got carried away with the press and wondered why I was having trouble getting the snap-ring in . . . <br> __________________ '91.5 W250, Getrag, 3.54 axles. AFC eccentric @ max, spring @ 0 pre-load, thin washer; 1.9+mm timing; 1/2 turn on fueling screw; cam ground AFC lever; "negative torque" spring removed from governor lever. Hx-35 12cm W/G turbo. Pyro pre-turbo. 4" Exhaust DP-back; BHAF; 2nd gen fuel heater. Twin-sticked transfer case; 7 leaf front springs. Also Own: '49 Willys 4x4-63 with 6.2L diesel and NV4500 (wrecked) Wife's: '10 Jetta Sportwagon TDI

02-28-2003, 03:15 PM	#3
Lil Dog Chapter President Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Canada Posts: 6,075 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering coupling repair. Maybe we need a "Backyard Mechanics :'( Forum" ..<br><br><br>Probably hear a couple doozies..<br><br>J-eh

02-28-2003, 03:48 PM	#4
Redleg I was banned per my own request for speaking the name Pelosi Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bristol Michigan Posts: 1,908 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering coupling repair. Great idea! __________________ MIDTR 90 W350, flat bed, xtra leaf all around, Jasper 3spd auto, 16cm housing, tampered pump, Isspro pyro/boost, piller pod, BHAF, 93 radiator mod, Superwinch lockouts, Moog, 2nd D70. The number you have dialed, 9-1-1, has been changed... to an unlisted number. Freedom is everybody's job!

03-02-2003, 11:09 AM	#5
Lil Dog Chapter President Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Canada Posts: 6,075 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering coupling repair. Some good news for a change..LOL Took the clockspring apart even though there are stickers saying "This assembly not Serviceable" Anyway, found out I pulled the ribbon connector off of the circuit board. About 10 mins soldering and I have a new clockspring.. This time I will center it before I install it. J-eh

03-03-2003, 12:11 PM	#6
Alec Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Northwest MA Posts: 1,164 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering coupling repair. Clockspring, transmission, just throw it away and buy a new one -- or better yet a whole new truck.<br><br>Good job!

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