Your problem sounds related to more than the bearings in the steering column. Although they could be worn, the symptoms that you describe fit more with steering box and power steering system issues.
By the way, a slipping belt doesn't always make noise, or the same noise. The pump brackets for these cars is often broken, or misadjusted. I would recommend checking that first.
Someone mentioned replacing the bearings in their steering column the other day.
I have a '65 Crown and I've had an intermittent interruption in power assist that's gotten worse over time. I do not believe this is caused by slipping belts as there is no belt noise associated with it. Especially when turning the wheel to the right, the effort needed to turn the wheel would get very hard and then ease up again very quickly.
But the problem has become more frequent and more persistent so I'm taking the car to the shop on Monday. I'm asking about the steering column bearings because now when this interruptions happens I can hear what sounds like a binding sound from the column. And now (not always but often) extra force is required to turn the wheel back to the left.
I know nothing about how that mechanism is set up. Does anybody have any experience and insight I can share with the mechanic (besides
my shop manual)?
Best,
John Meyer
1965 Crown
Tucson
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