1941 Series 61 Steering Column Removal

[HardTimes Garage]

We have a car in the shop that is getting a frame off reconditioning. So far we have blown the entire car apart and have few if any real issues. But alas we have come to what appears to be a serious issue.

We want to remove the steering column from the vehicle and so far my research and some help form members on this forum has told us that first we must remove the steering wheel and then the assembly will slide out the bottom with the gear box.

And here's where it gets sticky. A previous person must have used a steering wheel removed to attempt to remove the wheel and in doing so mushroomed the shaft. Additionally it appears that the wheel hub and shaft are corroded together. We have soaked the entire area in penetrating oil and even used some heat to hopefully break that bond. We have gently used a puller to see if things would come apart and even resorted to gentle application of the slide hammer. The only result is that it appears the entire shaft is coming out of the column upwards, but there is no separation between the wheel hub and shaft.

SO... Any suggestions?

Also, On Allcads.com they have a Shop Manual for the 39-41. They of course recommend that everyone who owns one of these cars should have this book. Does anyone else own this book and if so, how useful has it been for you in your restoration/maintenance of your Caddy?

Thanks in advance for the additional help.

Lee
HardTimes Garage

[pauldridge]

Lee,

Good luck with that steering wheel.  Those things can be a real bugger sometimes.

As far as the manual, while these manuals are far from complete, I think you'd find it a useful item to have with your car.

Not sure what AllCads charges, but these new, printed reproductions are available all the time on eBay.

Here's one for $30  http://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-1940-1941-Cadillac-Service-Shop-Repair-Manual-Engine-Drivetrain-Electrical-/140815114964?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ACadillac%7CYear%3A1941&hash=item20c93c22d4&vxp=mtr

[Paul Phillips]

Lee and I have done some offline conversing on this.  I am posting this info in case others encounter the same situation.

The steering column assembly only comes out from below the car.  Basic idea is remove the horn (& neutral switch if Hydramatic) wiring, steering wheel and shift linkage, remove column bracket under dash, disconnect Pitman arm, remove bolts holding gearbox to frame, slide assembly out bottom of chassis.  If the solution requires replacing the steering shaft, it must come out the bottom of the column/gearbox assembly.  The steering shaft has a taper above the worm gear that engages a bearing in the upper end of the gearbox assembly - the only way the shaft comes out is from the bottom.  Be careful to keep the recirculating ball race in position when removing the shaft from the gearbox.  Manual images are posted below.

Paul