Steering column thrust ring

[argiopeweb]

My steering wheel had some significant play in all directions, so I took the bugger off. The plastic thrust ring (the clear one, see picture) had completely disintegrated, so I ordered a new one.


Picture credit goes to kcoyle.

After receiving, I re-greased the upper bearing, reinstalled the ignition switch assembly, inserted the trust ring as far as possible (only about 1/2 of the way), and reinstalled spacer/blinker & wiper stalks/wheel. I used the steering bolt to tighten everything down, presumably pressing the thrust ring into place. Bad Idea™.

The black plastic spacer spread out and put a little undue pressure on the windshield washer stalk. I managed to get it off, but the thrust ring is pretty cracked and exceptionally tight. I've managed to move the ignition switch assembly a few fractions of an inch with a hammer and a pair of vicegrips, but it's going to take some serious effort to get it back off.



I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong here, as I assume the thrust ring is neither supposed to sit 1/4" off the bearing nor fracture on installation (though I could be wrong). What's the appropriate way to put this thing on?

[mattdavis11]

If I remember correctly, I removed the ignition switch assembly, inserted the thrust ring into it, then used a deep socket (sized to the thrust ring) and gently tapped the ignition assembly back into position on the steering shaft.

[argiopeweb]

Hmmm... I imagine the thrust ring ended up flush on the bearing?

I don't have a socket properly sized, but I can probably find a short length of pipe that would do the trick...

[mattdavis11]

Yep. Maybe I used a pipe, if so, I forget. But that's what you need to do. Seat the thrust ring into the ignition assembly, then install.

[mazdaverx7]

Its because you are installing the thrust ring backwards. The thrust ring presses into the black plastic collar. The assembly is then installed with the lip of the thrust ring resting against the steering column bearing.

THIS METHOD IS INCORRECT!!!!!!!!:



What you will then do is simply pull the thrust ring out of the steering column bearing and turn it around. Grease it up and then press it into the plastic collar and install the collar with the thrust ring with the thrust ring towards the steering column bearing. Pm me if you have any questions.

[mattdavis11]

Yea, that's the ticket. Been a long time, my rememberer is getting more broken each day. Sorry.

[M. Murphy]

I'm about to do this on my 83. Is red lithium grease okay to use?

[argiopeweb]

Heh, that would do it... I wish there were some decent diagrams of this somewhere. The 924S PET is distinctly unhelpful (illustration 403-05 shows the support ring facing down on top of the clamping sleeve, and doesn't show the ignition assembly at all).

Incidentally, some searching turns up that Ian from 944online has a third method of installing this thing, namely inserting it from the back of the bearing on the ignition assembly.


Picture credit to Ian @ 944Online.

I'd imagine this method also required significant quantities of grease. I'd probably go white lithium (Murphy) because it's generally considered "plastic-safe". Can't speak for red lithium.

[M. Murphy]

Thanks, I have some white lithium. I'm going after a switch change (Turn signal/Wiper) so while in there...
Any tips or short cuts taking the ignition switch out? Never done that.
I'll try to image and document the process.

[argiopeweb]

I ended up making up a technique based on the 944online method. The bushing position/orientation is as in Ian's image, but I put the thrust ring onto the steering shaft as far as it would go first, then pressed the ignition switch assembly on to it. Took minimal effort and removed the vast majority of the shake in the system (the remainder is wear in the bearing).

Murphy, the ignition switch is cake. Make sure the battery is unhooked, then just unscrew the hex bolt through the hole on the dash and pull (taking care to remove the wires). Insert and turn key if the steering lock gives you trouble.

On the other hand, the compreasion sleeve is a real bear if you havent had it out before (or in awhile). There are holes for a flat head screwdriver, but nowhere safe to use as a fulcrum. I generally end up using another screwdriver resting across the bearing housing.

[M. Murphy]

I had trouble pulling the ignition lock assembly until I removed the column Clamp Sleeve then it came right off.
Tamped/Pressed the Column Thrust Ring into the upper column shaft bearing in the lock assembly then proceeded to re-assemble. I could not get the ignition lock assembly to seat fully so I took a break and re grouped a couple hours later. Using some wrench box ends as shims I used the steering wheel nut to gradually press the assembly into place. No more steering wheel shake.

[pfarah]

This procedure is on my soon to do list, particularly since the switch is original.

[argiopeweb]

Originally Posted by M. Murphy

I had trouble pulling the ignition lock assembly until I removed the column Clamp Sleeve then it came right off.
Tamped/Pressed the Column Thrust Ring into the upper column shaft bearing in the lock assembly then proceeded to re-assemble. I could not get the ignition lock assembly to seat fully so I took a break and re grouped a couple hours later. Using some wrench box ends as shims I used the steering wheel nut to gradually press the assembly into place. No more steering wheel shake.

Yep, the compression sleeve definitely has to come off on its own. It was a beast the first time mine came off, but it hadn't been off in an absolute minimum of 9 years.

The wrench box end method is clever. I'll have to use that next time.

Enjoy your shake-free steering!

[M. Murphy]

Here's what I can't quite get my head around. When I pulled mine apart there was no evidence of a previous thrust ring. No parts pieces, nothing. Either it was not there to begin with or it completely dissolved over thirty years. Very curious.

[argiopeweb]

I had had mine out previously and about a third of it was left. When I took the ignition switch out this time it had completely disappeared.

Part of it ends up in the bearing itself. I stripped mine with brake cleaner and removed any remaining chunks with an pressurized air from the back. Regreased with MoS_2 prior to reassembly as an experiment (we'll see if it holds up...)

A guess says the rest of it ends up in the steering column tube. I cleaned some chips out of there with a shop towel, but I'd guess there's more of it beyond where I could reach easily.

Long story short: when they go, they go EVERYWHERE.

[turbobob924]

Does anyone know where to itvth e bl are tube/spacer part
Mine busted up as well

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[944 Ecology]

https://tinyurl.com/yd48oxdy

[Geoman]

I tried to replace my thrust ring and there was no way it was going to fit inside the bearing AND on the steering rod. It just seemed to be too small (or the wall of the ring was too thick). I bought two different rings and both were impossible to install. I compared these new ones to the one I took off and there was an ever so slight difference in the surface texture of the plastic washers, couldn't tell if the thickness of the material was different. Because the old one was still pliable, I used it and the ignition switch housing slid into place with only a little persuasion. Just be aware that a new ring might have different dimensions. Perhaps someone can check the measurements of both if they have them?

[VINCENZ0]

Glad I found this thread. I was just putting my steering wheel back together on this project car and noticed a ton of play in the steering wheel. I didn't see this bearing at all during reassembly so I assume it's gone missing.

I am dreading taking everything apart again since the cosmetic plastic housing was such an insanely tight fit to get back on.

[dedyplay]

Thanks for the tip.