D17 steering

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   I've got a Series 1 D 17 LP with power steering.  Last couple of times I've used it, the steering seems to be getting very hard to turn and the problem seems to be in the short steering column through the dash. There seems to be some vertical play in the shaft of about 1/4 inch or so.  I removed the wheel and had a look, but I'm not sure what the problem is.. There seems to be no info on that section of the steering in my dealer service manual; not even a drawing showing the parts.  Any one have any ideas before I take it all apart to see what makes it tick? 

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Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: D17 steering Posted: 10 Sep 2021 at 8:25pm
	I've got a Series 1 D 17 LP with power steering. Last couple of times I've used it, the steering seems to be getting very hard to turn and the problem seems to be in the short steering column through the dash. There seems to be some vertical play in the shaft of about 1/4 inch or so. I removed the wheel and had a look, but I'm not sure what the problem is.. There seems to be no info on that section of the steering in my dealer service manual; not even a drawing showing the parts. Any one have any ideas before I take it all apart to see what makes it tick?

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DrAllis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Points: 21462	Post Options Post Reply Quote DrAllis Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 Sep 2021 at 8:36pm
	Are you sure it's full of power steering fluid ??

MACK Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Points: 7664	Post Options Post Reply Quote MACK Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 Sep 2021 at 8:57pm
	Fluid sure made mine steer better. Finger nail deep over gear. MACK

Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 2021 at 9:52am
	I'll check that out and see what the level is before I go farther into it.

Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 2021 at 6:25pm
	I checked the fluid level and it was to the top of the gears. I topped it up but it made no difference. I then disconnected the U joint at the back of the bell housing and tried it and the binding is definitely in the upper steering column. There is also quite bit of up and down play in the upper steering shaft. With the wheel removed I can clamp vice grips on the shaft and as I rotate it, I can pull it up and down over 3/8 inch. I'm not sure if there are bearings in that column or bushings, but I guess my next step is to remove the whole upper column assembly, then try to take it apart.

DSeries4 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Points: 7451	Post Options Post Reply Quote DSeries4 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 2021 at 8:34pm
	There is another U joint further up. Removing the gas tank will give lots of access. Might want to check that one. Up and down movement of the steering shaft is controlled by a snap ring at the top of the steering shaft. I have seen them get weak and slide out of their ring on the shaft.
	'49 G, '54 WD45, '55 CA, '56 WD45D, '57 WD45, '58 D14, '59 D14, '60 D14, '61 D15D, '66 D15II, '66 D21II, '67 D17IV, '67 D17IVD, '67 190XTD, '73 620, '76 185, '77 175, '84 8030, '85 6080

Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Sep 2021 at 11:36pm
	I noticed a groove near the top of the shaft and was wondering if it should have a snap ring. The groove seems quite worn so I don't know if a snap ring would stay in it. What goes under the snap ring on the shaft in the top of the steering tube?? Seems like mine may be missing a bushing. As to the U joint under the tank, I'm aware of that one and it seems to be in very good shape: no play in it unless it is seizing up as their is no grease fittings in any of them!

plummerscarin Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 22 Jun 2015 Location: ia Points: 3806	Post Options Post Reply Quote plummerscarin Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 2021 at 7:00am
	I had a similar situation with the WD I am restoring. The u-joint appeared to be good shape with no slop. It also had no grease zerk and when I got it torn down turned out to be rusted tight. Everything else turned freely

DrAllis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Points: 21462	Post Options Post Reply Quote DrAllis Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 2021 at 7:38am
	Throw the snap ring away and just stack washers of the right diameters in there to make up for it. The shafts groove will be shot and you cannot buy a new shaft. Keep washer count on the bottom the same and add everything on the top. If you can remove the steering wheel, go that route and while it's off oil the crap out of the steering column letting oil run thru it to the bottom u-joint. If you cannot get the steering wheel pulled, remove the fuel tank and drive out the pin that retains the u-joint and pull the steering wheel and shaft out thru the top. This is no picnic to do. Up and down movement should be very slight, like a hacksaw blades thickness. Edited by DrAllis - 12 Sep 2021 at 7:39am

Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Sep 2021 at 8:45am
	Steering wheel is off as I replaced it a few years ago, so it's not hard to remove. I will try the stack of washers and also try to get some lube into the upper U joint as well as the shaft and column. Need a new nut on the top of the shaft to hold on the wheel as the threads in the existing one are close to being stripped. Thanks for the advice so far!!

Alberta Phil Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3889	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alberta Phil Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 13 Sep 2021 at 6:47pm
	Got it fixed! I machined up a new bushing for the top end and with the addition of a few shim washers and lots of oil down the column, it steers nice and free now! Got a new Steering wheel retaining nut coming from Sandy Lake, then should be as good a new again. Thanks again for the help with this!