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I still have my old column with the buggered up shaft, I've thought about repairing it and switching back..... didn't have the problem till I got this used column.
But the outer plastic is a bit damaged now that I removed the hub. My steering also feels heavy.... i didnt think there was anything in the column that could add that kind of resistance?
Went ahead and ordered some Unbalanced Engineering oversized steering column pins. The play in the wheel is bearable, but I figured if I'm taking the column apart I may as well.
Turn signal switch and column pin install today. Was thwarted by my clockspring. had some exposed wires (probably the cause of my airbag light) and then I accidentally finished it off . Currently looking for a clockspring that isnt a $150 one on ebay lol
Installed my new clock spring, airbag light went off luckily, but I’m convinced my power steering pump took a dump bc it feels non existent when turning.
also managed to lose my high beams function in the process. Not the end of the world but def annoying. Despite the high beam follower not going back in for me, the high beams are stuck on and moving the rod going down the column won’t turn them off. Need to look into that more.
replaced the battery cables and cleaned the contact points in the 79 this weekend too. It would intermittently lose all power if it sat for any random period of time. Would have to jiggle the positive cable to get it back. Then when it was idling the voltage gauge would bounce all over. Seems to be good now!
One major difference is bronze bushings for the shaft on the F-body pump. 'Vette pumps utilize bearings. Probably some other differences as well, but it's not a simple unit for unit swap.
installed the vette pump last night. Straight forward install, only real pain was removing the pulley off the old pump.
kit was pretty nice! Came with everything I needed to install the pump. Pulley, hoses, clamps, reservoir, bracket, etc.
though to my surprise, the heavy steering persisted. As a last ditch attempt I tried my OG steering wheel, and wouldn’t you know it, fixed my issues lol. Could I have avoided all these issues by just sticking with my OG wheel? Idk maybe lol. Just happy it’s back to normal.
unsure if it’s just the Camaro wheel I have, or if all camaro wheels are like this on firebirds? Seems like my steering shaft is too small for the toothed hole on the Camaro wheel. Wheel was wobbly unless I added a washer before the bolt.
05-15-2023, 12:01 PM
. Currently looking for a clockspring that isnt a $150 one on ebay lol
