Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, including disconnection of steering shaft, wiring harness, shift linkage (if automatic), and column mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly (if replacing complete unit) × 1 — Use OEM specification or reproduction column
• Steering column bearing × 1 — GM 7837668 or equivalent
• Steering column upper bearing spring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft rag joint coupling × 1 — GM 7824851 or equivalent
• Column to dash mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Column to firewall clamp hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Turn signal switch (if worn) × 1 — GM 1997989 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate away from battery post
3. Remove driver's seat for improved access (4 bolts at seat track mounts)
4. Place protective covering over driver's side floor and lower door sill to prevent damage during column removal
5. If equipped with automatic transmission, note the position of shift linkage and indicator needle for proper reassembly
6. Photograph or diagram all electrical connections and their routing before disconnection
7. Apply penetrating oil to all column mounting hardware and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the horn button or center cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the horn wire. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with tape or marker for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using a socket wrench. Install a steering wheel puller and tighten evenly to remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft.
2. 2

   Remove turn signal canceling cam and spring
   With the steering wheel removed, remove the turn signal canceling cam by lifting it straight up off the shaft. Note the orientation of any plastic retainers or springs underneath. Remove the upper bearing spring and thrust washer, keeping these components organized for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove turn signal lever and hazard switch
   Unscrew the turn signal lever by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it straight out. If equipped with tilt column, the lever also controls tilt release. Remove the hazard warning switch knob by pulling it straight out from the column.
4. 4

   Remove column trim covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower column trim covers (typically 3 screws on each half). Carefully separate the two halves and remove them from around the column, feeding the turn signal wiring through as needed. On 1966 Corvette models, the covers are two-piece chrome or painted plastic.
5. 5

   Disconnect turn signal switch wiring
   Locate the turn signal switch wiring connector under the dash, typically near the column mounting bracket. Label each wire or connector position using masking tape and marker before disconnection. Unplug the multi-wire connector or individual spade connectors as equipped. On 1966 models, this is typically a multi-pin connector with 7 wires.
6. 6

   Disconnect ignition switch and other wiring
   Locate and label the ignition switch wiring connector. Disconnect the connector, noting wire colors and positions. Disconnect any additional wiring connected to the column including neutral safety switch wiring (automatic transmission) or backup light switch wiring. Use masking tape to label each connection.
7. 7

   Disconnect shift linkage (automatic transmission)
   If equipped with automatic transmission, locate the shift indicator cable at the base of the column and disconnect it by removing the retaining clip. Disconnect the transmission shift rod from the shift lever arm on the steering column by removing the clevis pin and retaining clip. Note the exact position of all linkage components for reassembly alignment.
   ⚠Improper shift linkage adjustment during reassembly can result in incorrect gear indication or inability to start the vehicle (neutral safety switch misalignment).
8. 8

   Remove column to dash mounting bracket
   Working from under the dash, locate the 2 bolts securing the column mounting bracket to the underside of the dash structure. These are typically 1/2 inch head bolts. Support the column with one hand or have an assistant hold it while removing these bolts. Remove both bolts and lower the column slightly to gain access to the firewall clamp.
9. 9

   Disconnect steering shaft coupling at firewall
   Working from inside the driver's footwell, locate the steering shaft rag joint coupling where the column shaft connects to the steering gear input shaft through the firewall. The coupling is secured by a clamp with 2 bolts. Remove both coupling clamp bolts. Mark the relationship between the column shaft and the coupling before separation. Separate the column shaft from the coupling by pulling the column shaft upward into the passenger compartment.
   ⚠️Do not rotate the steering gear input shaft or column shaft independently once disconnected, as this will misalign the steering system and create a dangerous steering angle discrepancy during reassembly.
10. 10

    Remove column from firewall support clamp
    Locate the firewall support clamp that surrounds the column where it passes through the firewall. This clamp is typically held by 2 bolts or nuts. Remove the fasteners and separate the clamp halves. Carefully slide the clamp off the column jacket.
11. 11

    Remove steering column from vehicle
    With all mounting hardware, wiring, and linkage disconnected, carefully pull the steering column upward and toward the driver's seat area to remove it from the vehicle. Feed the column through the firewall opening while protecting the interior surfaces. An assistant is helpful to guide the column and prevent damage to dashboard or windshield.
12. 12

    Inspect and service column components
    With the column removed, inspect the steering shaft for wear, scoring, or damage. Check the column bearings for roughness or excessive play. Inspect the rag joint coupling for cracking, oil saturation, or deterioration and replace if worn. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush and inspect mounting brackets for cracks or damage. If the column is being replaced, transfer any reusable components such as shift levers, turn signal switch (if functional), and mounting hardware to the new column.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is performed in reverse order of disassembly with the following critical notes
2. Before installing the column, apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the upper and lower column bearings
3. When installing the column through the firewall, ensure the firewall grommet or seal is properly positioned to prevent water intrusion and noise
4. When reconnecting the steering shaft rag joint coupling, align the marks made during disassembly and ensure the coupling clamp bolts are installed with equal engagement on both sides of the coupling
5. Torque all mounting fasteners properly. Without specific torque specifications in the database, tighten the dash mounting bolts firmly (estimated 15-20 ft-lbs) and the rag joint coupling bolts securely (estimated 20-25 ft-lbs). These should be verified with factory specifications
6. When reconnecting shift linkage on automatic transmission models, adjust the linkage so that the indicator pointer aligns exactly with each gear position and verify neutral safety switch operation
7. Route all wiring exactly as documented during disassembly, ensuring no wires are pinched or stretched
8. When installing the steering wheel, align the marks made during disassembly and torque the steering wheel nut to specification (typically 30 ft-lbs for 1966 Corvette, but verify with factory manual)
9. Reinstall the driver's seat and reconnect the negative battery cable as the final step

Verification

• With vehicle still on jack stands and wheels off ground, start the engine and turn the steering wheel through full left and right travel, verifying smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify turn signal operation in both left and right positions, and check that the signals cancel properly after wheel rotation
• Verify horn operation by pressing the horn button
• Check that all column-mounted controls (turn signals, hazard flasher, ignition switch, tilt lever if equipped) operate correctly with no interference
• On automatic transmission models, verify that the gear indicator aligns correctly with all gear positions (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) and that the engine will only start in Park and Neutral
• Verify that the steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead (with vehicle on ground)
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper steering operation and column stability with no rattles, looseness, or misalignment
• Recheck all mounting bolt tightness after test drive
• If any unusual vibration, noise, or steering feel is detected, immediately stop and reinspect all connections and alignment

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