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Post by 1977granada on Jan 9, 2008 20:40:04 GMT -5
Hi everyone-
I'm new here. My grandparents gave me their 1977 Granada that they bought new in 1977. It has not been on the road in a while so there are some things that need to be addressed. THe steering wheel has a lot of play when it is in the home (12 and 6) position and rattles like crazy. I was told there is some sort of upper bearing in the steering column that can be replaced. Where can I get this part and how hard is it to put in? I am reasonably decent at replacing parts and know to take my time and try not to lose things.
Thanks for the help-
Mike
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Post by Jeff Roblin on Jan 9, 2008 21:13:27 GMT -5
The steering gear has adjustment that can be made. I believe there may be a link to this in this section.
With the clunking, I would also be concerned about worn tie rod ends or center link or idler arm. I've replaced a lot of this on my car.
BTW - welcome to the board!
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Post by hipogranada on Jan 10, 2008 0:59:31 GMT -5
This could be the rag joint too, possibly. That's the coupling between the column and the steering box, under the hood. There is a rubber sandwich joint, the rubber looks very much like a section cut out of a tire, with the cord reinforcement. The rubber gives up eventually, mine went at about 16 years and 120K or so.
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Post by 1977granada on Jan 10, 2008 8:16:22 GMT -5
I am pretty sure that the problem lies in the upper part of the column because when you drive it down the road the car feel fine. It feels almost like a loose steering wheel. It only does it when going straight. If you go around a corner everything feels nice and tight. Evidently Fords are known for this bearing going in the upper part of the column, at least according to a friend of mine. I will check out the other things mentioned just to be sure.
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badmav70
Daily Driver
ford nut
Posts: 144
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Post by badmav70 on Jan 14, 2008 18:58:15 GMT -5
does your car have a tilt steering wheel?
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Post by 1977granada on Jan 21, 2008 15:06:18 GMT -5
The car does not have a tilt wheel. It has to be in the column because it really does not feel like it is having adverse affects on the way the car handles and I can feel that the clunking is in the part of the column closest to the steering wheel. I seriously doubt is a suspension issue. I have had cars with steering issues before that were suspension related and this obviously does not feel like suspension problems. I would like to know before I start taking the column apart if there is some kind of bracket/fitting in the top of the column that would make the wheel rattle. I was told there is a bearing/coupling in the top of the column right near where the steering wheel attaches.
Thanks
Mike
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