68 Steering column part

[jvb6648]

I'm rebuilding my steering column, non column shift, and can't locate this gourmet or insulator. Does anyone have a source or a shade tree fix?

[Mike S]

I have that part and still in its original box and GM number. Give me an hour to get back to you.
I assume you mean the disintegrated foam at the bottom.

Mike

[Mike S]

 OK....for the seal you pictured, it was foam and the end caps still visible were part of it. What I did for mine (non-column shift steering wheel) was to replace the foam with a closed cell foam sold as camper seal weather strip (cut to the correct width) and glue to the shaft between the still captive rings.
  Now....what I was thinking of was the actual smaller steering shaft seal that usually disintegrates and people don't realize one was there. Attached are pictures of that seal w/captive end rings. This seal is like the larger one in your picture, but smaller.

Mike

[jvb6648]

Thanks, where is the smaller seal located and you wouldn't by any chance have the part number for the other one?

[Mike S]

 If I remember correctly, the smaller seal goes on the lower end of the steering shaft to fit inside the narrow end of the outer housing just behind the bearing. Check your shaft and housing for remnants of a small seal. Between the larger seal and the smaller, they are strategically placed so no engine compartment air can go up the steering column.
  I don't have any part numbers for the larger seal. I have yet to find any exploded view diagrams of a column with P/N's.

Mike

[jvb6648]

Thanks again Mike, I found the 799 seal and ordered it. I think the number for the other is 5698384 but no luck locating one.

[Mike S]

Hi Jim,

  One thing I want to mention is when I removed the original smaller seal ('799), it appeared to have been oiled.
I believe this was on purpose being the seal itself rotated with the steering shaft and the outer housing it contacts is stationary.

Mike