Squeaky steering wheel bushing

[djbrand1]

Have an 84 with a Momo steering wheel/adapter installed. The steering wheel squeaks pretty loudly turning left or right, and the effort to turn the wheel is higher than my buddies 81. I don't have any play up down left or right, just the squeaking. I thought it was bushing related so I ordered the Mitch Leland bushing in hopes it will be the fix. Upon removing the wheel I first encountered a pretty bent washer under the 27mm nut. Possible suspect noted, I moved further. Removed the hub off the splines (forgot to mark it first, doh!) and took a look at the bushing. Now there are some pieces that were inside but for the most part its all there.

Asking for more experienced eyes to take a look at the photos below and see if you see any other possible reasons for the squeaking. I don't see any obvious signs of binding. The bearing spins pretty easily when I was poking at it with a screwdriver to get the little pieces out. Also, should I even continue with the Mitch Leland bushing install if I do not really have any play in the wheel? Thanks as always!

Steering wheel and boot removed:




The bent washer under the 27mm nut. I had to use an impact driver just to remove the nut.




The MOMO hub:



Finally, first look at to what the bearing looked like before touching it.

[Flieger]

That may be a locking washer to make sure all the parts of the steering system stay attached to each other.

[djbrand1]

Originally Posted by Flieger

That may be a locking washer to make sure all the parts of the steering system stay attached to each other.

So you don't think I should flatten out that washer when reinstalling?

Anything missing on the MOMO hub?

[Flieger]

From that picture it looks like a nice smooth curve centered on the hole. If that is the case, that is a locking washer and is should be springy enough that you cannot straighten it back out without bending it back signifcantly the other direction.

If the curve is not smooth and uniform, it is just bent.

Where was this washer again?

[djbrand1]

Originally Posted by Flieger

Where was this washer again?

It was under the 27mm nut, holding the momo hub to the shaft. You can see in the one picture there is a very small recess for the washer in the hub/adapter.

[Mitch Leland]

DJ, I would first jack up the front end to be sure that the problem is in the steering hub and not down further down the steering shaft and link arms.

It also appears from the picture that the factory bushing is cracked, crumbling. If that is true then I would proceed with your new bushing. Just remember to leave the "star washer" off when using the new bushing.

I've had 2 or 3 complaints about steering wheels binding from customers using Momo steering wheels. In those cases there was a height problem to my bushing. However in you case it doesn't appear to be any grinding on the steering hub. I don't think the washer is your problem, particularly when you torque down your steering wheel. Bentleys calls for 36 foot pounds of torque on the 27mm nut, I usually go with about 30 foot pounds. It's not like the steering wheel is going to fall of being set in splines.

You can PM me if you have further problems...

[djbrand1]

I'll try jacking up the front end to check, but you can def.hear the squeak coming from inside the clamshell. Mitch, should I attempt to remove more of the factory bushing, or just hammer on the new bushing. Thanks.

[Mitch Leland]

DJ, Then you're probably right if the noise is coming from the steering hub. I would try and remove all the bits and pieces, then push the remainder down the bearing. I wouldn't use your new bushing as a tool to push the old one out. I've been told by one of our members that he used a credit card. After you've gotten the old bushing out I would vacuum anything that you can. You might oil the roller bearing, and be sure it's free.

When you're done installing the bushing you should have some clearance under the "C" clip. Your steering hub seats on the "C" clip. I would be sure that the "C" clips has a snug fit. You can squeeze the "C" clip before installing. Squeeze it again with vise grips to be sure it's tight on the steering shaft.

I'll be out of pocket starting Tuesday for 2 weeks so get back to me if you need help.

[FPB111]

My horn contact squealed when it was dry and the contact end was rough. Maybe take a good look at the contact ring and spring loaded contact that runs on it.
Also the Momo hub pic shows a shiny spot on the hub lip. Is there any evidence of rubbing on the adjacent surface
?

[djbrand1]

No evidence of the outside ring of the momo hub rubbing on anything. It looks like the only thing it could rub is the plastic clamshell, but there is a good amount of Clarence between the two.

Got most of the old bushing out and the remnents pushed down and in. Going to put the Leland bushing in and see what happens.

Messing around with it a bit, it sounds like the squeek maybe coming from further in the dash/column when turning the shaft.

[djbrand1]

Put the new bushing in and noise is still there. I'm afraid it might be coming from the column somewhere. I'll post a video of the squeek. It sounds like a dry rubber.

Mitch, when I put on your bushing I didn't have to really use any force to get it on. Its snug but I was able to slide it on by hand fairly easy. Is that OK or bad? Thanks.

[Mitch Leland]

DJ,

Keep me posted on how you do... BTW: if you want to lube up the horn ring and contact, you can use DowCorning 4. It's a silicone material that we use on our aircraft spark plug cigarettes. It's non conductive...

[Url]

Try lubing everything inside the smuggler's box, that did the trick for me!

[Classic]

There is a bearing at that end behind the steering wheel and another one in the front between the top universal joint and the steering shaft.

You could remove the top universal and rotate to see if that's where your problem is or further down.

Don't flatten the washer, it is a wave washer a different type of spring washer, and designed to keep the pressure on the nut, preventing it from backing off, and hence your wheel coming off in your hands whilst driving down the road.

[FPB111]

Originally Posted by Classic

There is a bearing at that end behind the steering wheel and another one in the front between the top universal joint and the steering shaft.

You could remove the top universal and rotate to see if that's where your problem is or further down.

Don't flatten the washer, it is a wave washer a different type of spring washer, and designed to keep the pressure on the nut, preventing it from backing off, and hence your wheel coming off in your hands whilst driving down the road.

That could be bad
SPARE STEERING WHEEL IN THE CAR - YouTube

[djbrand1]

Try lubing everything inside the smuggler's box, that did the trick for me!

I'll take a look inside. Fingers crossed hopefully it's that simple.

[Classic]

While you are there remove the cover from your steering shaft from the smugglers box and see if your squeak is above the top universal, I'll bet it's the bottom bearing at the steering column.

[djbrand1]

Originally Posted by Classic

While you are there remove the cover from your steering shaft from the smugglers box and see if your squeak is above the top universal, I'll bet it's the bottom bearing at the steering column.

And if it is, what's the fix? Going to dig into tonight.

[djbrand1]

Here is a picture of the Leland bushing installed. Slid on fairly easy, no tapping needed.


Here is a video of the steering wheel squeaking. Click on the picture below to view the video

[Classic]

you can lube it as best you can or remove your steering shaft and replace the bearing, the column has some tamperproof bolts that hold it in place, it's not too hard to get them out i just used a Dremel and some easy outs.
Steering column bushing ordered...any tips?