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 55-56 Dodge/Plymouth Coaxial Power Steering Coupler InfoJump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896      Location: Lower Mainland BC | . I am going to limit what I say below to applying to the 55-56 Dodge and Plymouth Coaxial Power Steering coupler. That said, I am guessing that much of what follows would also apply to 55-56 Desotos and Chryslers which used a similar but slightly different coaxial PS gear box. In a pinch, the info might also apply to the 57-59 Mopars with PS. (Might  ) ***************************** In contrast to the non-power steering 55-56 Dodges and Plymouths that had a rigid, one-piece, steering shaft, the 55-56 Dodges and Plymouths with Coaxial ("Full Time") Power Steering had a two-piece steering column/shaft. Much of the steering column/shaft is the coaxial steering gear box that extends into the passenger (and driver) compartment by about 6 or 7 inches. The remainder of the steering column is that part that we see and touch when we drive the car. However, the actual connection between the coaxial steering box and the upper steering column is under a cosmetic steering column cover. My car's cover has been off since I replaced the carpet (there is an issue with clearance between the cover and the ASC replacement carpet. (I just went out to the garage and temporarily "installed" (aka "jammed" the cover in place to show how it hides the connection between the steering box and the upper steering column. Photos below). The mechanical connection between the coaxial steering gear box and the upper steering column is made within a metal coupling at the upper end of the coaxial steering box. This coupling is attached to the steering gear box with a bolt and washers. I haven't taken mine apart (yet) but I am quite sure that this coupling is splined. To insulate the steering box from the delicate fingers and hands of those who opted for Power Steering, the coupling includes a rubber insulator that fits into the metal portion of the coupler system. I don't have photo of the lower end of the upper steering column so I am not sure exactly how things fit other than to suggest that if that rubber insulator is worn or otherwise deteriorated, there will likely be some unadjustable slop in in the steering. Here are some photos of the 55-56 coaxial steering gear box, including the metal coupler (Item 19-15-23 in the diagram) Here is a detail of the attachment of the metal coupler to the coaxial steering box: Here is the best diagram I can find that vaguely represents the upper steering column of a Power Steering car and it is poor regarding details at the lower end: The rubber insulator that fits into the metal coupler is likely to be PN 1319 797 (also known as "S-140" in Andy Bernbaum-speak)  REF: https://www.oldmoparts.com/parts/s_steering/steering-gear-tube-insul... 57Chizler suggested that nylon might be a better material for the insulator than the OE style rubber insulator: REF: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=74931&... Based on postings by Wayne T. (jaded13640), the connection between the upper steering column and the power steering box is a pin, presumably a friction fit pin that can be removed with a drift pin and a hammer (once the steering column cover and other external couplings are removed) Photos from Wayne T (and his 57 Suburban) that I believe represent the similar situation for the 55-56 Dodges and Plymouths. These photos are followed by photos from my 56 Dodge showing the steering column cover (kindof) in place, then with the cover off and finally a detail of the external connection between the upper steering column and the coaxial steering box, which, if removed would expose the couple and the insulator. (SteeringColumnCoupler_1.jpg) (SteeringColumnCoupler_2.jpg) (DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnWithCosmeticColumnCoverJammedInPlace.jpg) (DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler_1.jpg) (DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler.jpg) Attachments ----------------  SteeringColumnCoupler_1.jpg (78KB - 108 downloads) SteeringColumnCoupler_2.jpg (74KB - 104 downloads) DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnWithCosmeticColumnCoverJammedInPlace.jpg (221KB - 108 downloads) DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler_1.jpg (162KB - 99 downloads) DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler.jpg (119KB - 103 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Loosened the two bolts holding the external coupler clamp to the upper steering column and rotated the coupler to show what was being hidden. ANSWER: ???? Nothing? I'm not even sure what that clamp/coupler is doing. I am going to have to check the 56 Dodge FSM to see if there is any insights there. This: Edited by 56D500boy 2022-09-01 9:56 PM (DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler_BoltsRemovedCouplerRotated.jpg) Attachments ---------------- DaveFs56DodgeSteeringColumnShowingCoaxialSteeringBoxAndExternalCoupler_BoltsRemovedCouplerRotated.jpg (161KB - 108 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | 56D500boy - 2022-09-01 6:53 PM I'm not even sure what that clamp/coupler is doing. I am going to have to check the 56 Dodge FSM to see if there is any insights there. Okay. Consulted the 56 Dodge FSM, specifically page 292, which deals with removal of the coaxial steering box from the car. Fine but too much for what this is supposed to be about. So I consulted the 55-56 Plymouth and 56 Chrysler FSMs in hopes of finding something regarding the insulator and its replacement. I think I found it (see below). From what I understood from reading those bits, in order to expose the coupler and the rubber insulator WITHOUT removing the entire steering column, you need remove the steering column shrouds. To do that, you do need to: 1. Remove cosmetic steering column cover. 2. Loosen the two-bolt clamp at the transition between the upper steering column and the coaxial steering box. 3. Disconnect the two three pin connectors and the single connector regarding the 7 wires that are directed to the steering column cover. 4. Remove the horn ring and steering wheel. 5. Remove the horn slip ring 6. Remove the signal light switch stalk 7. Remove the signal switch gear (still connected to the 6 or 7 wires). 8. Loosen the steering column bracket that holds the steering column to the bottom of the dash. 9. Slide the steering column cover up enough to expose the pin through the coupler and insulator 10. Pull the upper steering column up enough to remove the insulator 11. Install the new insulator and reverse the process. (At least that was my interpretation of the FSM info) Some photos regarding the switch gear, etc.: REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=75266&... The FSM info: (55-56PlumouthFSMInfo_RemovalOfColumnCover.jpg) (56ChryslerFSMInfo_PSColumnInfo_1.jpg) (56ChryslerFSMInfo_PSColumnInfo_2.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 55-56PlumouthFSMInfo_RemovalOfColumnCover.jpg (206KB - 98 downloads) 56ChryslerFSMInfo_PSColumnInfo_1.jpg (167KB - 105 downloads) 56ChryslerFSMInfo_PSColumnInfo_2.jpg (191KB - 107 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . MyMopar has a Factory Service Tech film strip library. Found one today on the coaxial steering boxes. It has lots of good info, including a bit about removing the upper steering column to access the top of the steering box. Has some details regarding that removal (but it could have had more, in my mind): At around 7:10 https://mymopar.com/mtsc-1955-volume-8-3-servicing-the-1955-coaxial-... (MTSCVol8-3CoaxialSteeringUnit_AccessingTheTopOfTheSteeringGearBox.jpg) Attachments ---------------- MTSCVol8-3CoaxialSteeringUnit_AccessingTheTopOfTheSteeringGearBox.jpg (152KB - 103 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Removed and cleaned up the two bolts on the clamp at the bottom end of the upper steering column. The head on the bolt and nuts is 1/2". The threads on the bolts (and nuts) is 5/16 x NF24, which I cleaned up with a tap and die. They were a bit damaged when I took them off but they are fine now. Came into check my initial photo to make sure that I got the clamp back in about the same location. All good.  | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Couldn't find a photo of the connection between the upper steering column and the coupler at the upper end of the coaxial steering gear box for a 1955-56 Dodge or Plymouth to determine whether the connection pin was a solid friction-fit pin or a spring steel roll pin.  Powerflite (Nathan) suggested to me that the 57-58 pins were solid. (I think that I knew that from jaded 13640's photos (posted here, above)). *HOWEVER*, I did find a 55-56 Chrysler/Desoto coaxial steering box on eBay this morning and it shows that the connection pin is solid, so I will assume that the pin for a 55-56 Dodge/Plymouth is also solid. Photos of the 55-56 Chrysler/Desoto box and upper steering column: (1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_1.jpg) (1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_2.jpg) (1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_3.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_1.jpg (138KB - 108 downloads) 1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_2.jpg (134KB - 102 downloads) 1955-1956 Chrysler Imperial New Yorker Power Steering Gear Box & Column_3.jpg (150KB - 103 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Seems I forgot the step where the pin is removed from the coupling. So the revised list of steps is: 1. Remove cosmetic steering column cover. 2. Loosen the two-bolt clamp at the transition between the upper steering column and the coaxial steering box. 3. Disconnect the two three pin connectors and the single connector regarding the 7 wires that are directed to the steering column cover. 4. Remove the horn ring and steering wheel. 5. Remove the horn slip ring 6. Remove the signal light switch stalk 7. Remove the signal switch gear (still connected to the 6 or 7 wires). 8. Loosen the steering column bracket that holds the steering column to the bottom of the dash. 9. Slide the steering column cover up enough to expose the pin through the coupler and insulator 10. Remove the pin (drift pin and hammer) 11. Pull the upper steering column up enough to remove the insulator 12. Install the new insulator and reverse the process. Presumably re-install the pin and hammer it until it is evenly flush with the outer part of the coupling. (At least that was my interpretation of the FSM info) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Del S. (Dels56) is now working on this with me via email from his lair in Shangri-La (Arizona) (meanwhile I have snow on the ground a 0 C (17 F)). Del is suggesting that, if the objective is just to change that rubber steering coupler, it might be possible to skip Steps 3, 4, 5 and 7 and then... "Looking at the column, the jacket will slid up once you take the steering wheel, etc off. The wiring may be long enough to be able to slide the jacket up enough to expose the coupling. If not long enough, disconnect????" That sounds like a good plan to me. However, even if you can expose the connector pin (now conclusively, a solid pin) (see below) we don't know how to remove the pin. Del doesn't think there is enough room to swing a hammer at a pin punch. He is thinking some kind of C-clamp arrangement with an additional pin or ?? between the C-clamp and the head of the coupler pin. The FSMs that I have seen are silent on this issue (I presume it was assumed that this would be changed out of the car, using a press to press out the pin ???) Just re-checked that 55-56 Coaxial Steering Video (at around 7:10) and the upper column separates from the coaxial steering box coupler apparently through magic. https://mymopar.com/mtsc-1955-volume-8-3-servicing-the-1955-coaxial-... Anybody with non-magic solutions??? Del's photo from today: Edited by 56D500boy 2022-11-08 6:04 PM (56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSolidPinInTheConnection.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSolidPinInTheConnection.jpg (101KB - 82 downloads) | ||
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| dels56 |
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Del replied that: "Forget the pin punch, etc. I used an Allan key and tap, tap, tap, out came the pin. Just snug enough the keep it in. Then look what i found. Note the little spring in the end of the rubber insulator." To which I replied: "What the heck? A spring? That doesn't show up in anything that I have seen previously." Does this make sense to anybody?? Del's photos (thanks Del): Edited by 56D500boy 2022-11-08 11:26 PM (56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSolidPinRemovedAndSpringInEndOfRubberBushing.jpg) (56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSpringInEndOfRubberBushingAndPin.jpg) (56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingConnectorPinDetail.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSolidPinRemovedAndSpringInEndOfRubberBushing.jpg (152KB - 78 downloads) 56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingSpringInEndOfRubberBushingAndPin.jpg (220KB - 78 downloads) 56DodgePowerSteeringSteeringColumnShowingConnectorPinDetail.jpg (165KB - 89 downloads) | ||
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| 56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . The image below had confused because why was the hole in the metal end of the upper steering column so much bigger than the hole in the rubber insulator? Last week I ordered two 1319 797 rubber insulators from Andy Bernbaum (he had the best price per unit) - one for me and one for Del S. I picked them up yesterday and once I had them in my hand, I finally started to understand: There are larger rubber bits that are designed to fit in the large hole in the shaft, as shown below: (56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_1.jpg) (56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_2.jpg) (56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_3.jpg) (56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_4.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_1.jpg (53KB - 76 downloads) 56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_2.jpg (58KB - 78 downloads) 56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_3.jpg (101KB - 79 downloads) 56DodgePowerSteeringCouplerIsolator_1319797_4.jpg (112KB - 75 downloads) | ||
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