sterring play

[tankmack]

i just bought a 62 gt hawk and the steering has a lot of slop in it, it seem like the bellcrank has some play at the cross member, .would this cause slop in the steering and how hard is it to replace

[Flashback]

Yes, this will cause "slop" in the steering. Be sure to check the tie rod ends, reach rod, and steering box also. It is EASY to replace the pivot. I have done it, so, anybody can. If you don't already have a shop manual, get one. It will walk you right through.

Tex in Alabama
53 C Coupe

Tex E. Grier

[N8N]

check the pinch bolt, it must be Grade 8 and torqued to spec. Common cause of steering play in Studebakers.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Roscomacaw]

What Nate's talking about is the pinch bolt which secures that bellcrank to the shaft it rotates WITH. The shaft is supported by bushings and the bushings (bearings in earlier models) never get any grease because of the obscure placement of the zerk fitting for them.
This pivot assy is easily rebuilt OR... if that pinch bolt IS loose, the bellcrank has to flop one way or the other before the steering force is transmitted to the tie rods - thus the slop.[}]

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[tankmack]

it looks like the whole belcrank assy is moving front to back, not loose in the bolt.

[Roscomacaw]

Then you need to remove the pinch bolt completly, remove the zerk fitting thru the hole on the backside of the crossmember, undo the four bolts that hold the center pivot in place and extract the assy from the bottom of the crossmember. Then proceed to refurbish it with new bushings (or bearings) from one of our fine vendors. Once done, reverse the proceedure outlined previously and enjoy![^]

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe