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Can I use a torch to loosen bond of steering coupler to gearbox spline?

GearAddict

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Ok, so I own a torch, but have never used it before. I've been trying to get the steering column coupler to seperate from the gear box spline with some pb blaster and a 3 ft pry bar and it won't budge.

My question is... Can I heat up the steering coupler with the torch to break the bond? And if so is there a recommended method?

I also know that there is some grease in the coupler, although on mine, the coupler seal has disintegrated and most of the grease is gone..but not sure how concerned I should be about fire.

Any help is appreciated
 
I have never had one stuck that bad. Once the roll pin has been knocked out, they have come loose with just a little prying. I would be concerned about heat around the steering box seals.
 
X2 above. Note hole in the coupling

DSC00521 (Large).jpg
 
When I went to take the pin out, there wasn't one. The hole is there but nothing in it.
 
Check again on the pin. Its not a solid pin its a hollow spring pin. Use a center punch, the tapered ends of the punch will do the work and force it out. Also wd40 everything in that area and let it sit for a while. Mine sat in a field for 10 yrs. and it came out pretty easy.
 
I am pretty sure you are missing finding something there. Turn the shaft in case there is something on the bottom side.....................................MO
 
A drift or spent drill bit that barely fits in the hole.... even if it was frozen I would caution on the torch because you could cook the seals on the box... on the late models they have a small pin that will hang you up pulling the coupler.
 
Thanks guys, I'll investigate the roll pin again, I used a pin punch originally, but maybe just did use a big enough on to catch the shoulder of the pin.

I'll put the torch back in the toolbox
 
Hi GearAddict,

I just did this on my son's 73 Road Runner. As others have said, the pin is hollow. Once you are sure it is out, then try prying the coupler out. I was given good advice to make a steel plate with a notch out of it to fit over the steering box around the worm gear. This helps protect the steering box.
I then expanded that idea and made a second plate that I put over the rag joint. I pried in between these to loosen the connection, but it was NOT easy. After the fact, I thought about using a pickle fork between the two plates to wedge them apart, but I am not sure if that would work better.

Good luck!
 
The pin is THIN and you may have just missed it. I use a roll pin punch. It has a small ball head on the tip to fit in the pin. But a flat head drift punch will work also.
 
After pin removal and it's still stuck I've used a ball joint fork for gentle persuasion.
 
Sounds like someone Drove that sucker on with the spline's out of alignment !?!?!
You may get it apart only to find out you have junk ? I would get a new coupler and use a cut off wheel and slice the old one to get it off and Hope your box is still good ??
 
You can heat the shaft if you pack the top of the Street box with dry ice. Heat with Oxy tourch but use a rosebud. You might need a grip puller. I also agree with Wedge69 unless car was hit and th is explains the difficulty getting this off. Also ytou can warm the coupler and spray WD 40 after you turn tourch off and let the wd-40 soak intot he splines. I hope its not bad. The ball Jopint fork impact will destroy the top bearing pack.
 
I have a 66 coronet and I beat on that pin for 2 days before I got it out. Also did you disconnet the bracket under the dash holding the column to the dash? You may not have enough slack in the coupler to move it far enough to get it off the box. Just did mine and that worked for me . Good Luck!!!
 
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