Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

Hi all, I have been having a heck of a rattle from my steering column and some in my club think its coming from the control arms. I've pulled my horn rod and steering wheel and per the Les Andrews book, tried to sheer the pins with a 3/16" socket attached to a 6" extension. Try as I might, those pins aren't sheering a bit. Anyone else have this problem or maybe a different technique? I have new pins and the anti-rattle bushings ready to go.

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

I used a punch to drive them out partially and then grabbed them with pliers and pulled them out the rest of the way. If you can't get them out you might have to drill them.

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

Thanks much. I'll try the punch first. Someone else mentioned drilling out as well.

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

Very possible that they have been replaced in the past with a pin made out of harder material. Grinding off one end and driving out will do the job.

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

Ok, I was able to get the arms removed from the rods - combination of drilling and a punch. Working the rods out of the upper bushing -- in very snug and upper bushing is not budging even though the two set screws are out. See pics below. My first time doing this so pardon the questions. Would heat be an answer to to loosen upper bushing (some of the pot metal is already broken off)?

Answers or suggestions anyone?

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

The springs should keep things tight, a lot of the housings are cracked right behind where the shafts come out are painted and patched. Could there be a hidden crack in the column housing itself?

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

the upper bushing is made out of pot metal if you try to heat it up with a torch you can melt the bushing. I take it you are working on a seven tooth box. I don`t know of any easy way to get that bushing out without taking the steering shaft out.

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

Some have drilled a small hole in the column and sprayed insulation foam inside.
Paul in CT

Re: Separating Control Rod from Control Arm
 

The quadrant, were the spark/gas rods ride on is a press fit. I used a piece of 2" sch 80
ABS and trimmed to fit the quadrant and tapped it DOWN. That relieves some of the pressure on the bushing. You will more than likely need to remove the steering shaft to
get the bushing out. The quadrant was drilled, chamfered and tapped too the bushing
when it was assembled....a one shot deal..