Flexible Fabric Coupling
Steering gear and column shaft must be in alignment to avoid coupling binding and metal-to-metal contact between shaft flanges. An improperly aligned column or steering gear may cause increased turning effort, directional pointing, lumpiness or popping noise. A hissing noise common to rotary valve power gears can be carried through steering shaft and inside vehicle if metal-to-metal contact exists at coupling. Coupling flange components should have at least 1/16" to 1/8" operating clearance at all times.
GM Column Collapse Measurements
| Model | Illustration | Measurement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Wheel Drive | ||||
| Standard Column | ||||
| Bonneville, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo & Regal | A | 1 5/8" | ||
| Camaro & Firebird | B | 10 5/6" | ||
| All Others | A | 3 1/2" | ||
| Tilt Column | ||||
| Bonneville, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo & Regal | A | 2" | ||
| Camaro & Firebird | B | 10 3/16" | ||
| All Others | A | 4" | ||
| Tilt & Telescope | ||||
| Fleetwood Limousine | A | 1 15/16" | ||
| All Others | A | 3 3/8" | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | ||||
| Standard & Tilt Column | ||||
| Cavalier, Cimarron, J2000, Firenza & Skyhawk | C | 5 1/8-5 1/4" | ||
| All Others | C | 4 15/16-5" | ||