Steering column clunk

[vatdevil]

My car#522 has a noticeable clunk coming from the steering column. There is free play when pulling up on the shaft exiting the column and the same on the steering wheel. The universal joints and bolts are tight. The steering itself has no play. Steering wheel and steering column bolts are tight. I had several other SPF owners sit in the car and they agreed this isn't normal. Is there any adjustment to make on the column or is this a wear issue? Car has 11K miles.

[winnipaw]

Was your original column installed new? 11K should not be a wear problem. Check for side to side movement at the firewall bearing. If equipped with a rag joint, that could be source of excess vertical play.

[mickmate]

Sounds like the sleeve bearing inside the steering tube have fallen out or worn out. It is just a tube with sleeve bearings and a steering shaft inside it. Look at what's up with the bearings.

[vatdevil]

It's the bearing inside the tube...have replacements on order.

[mickmate]

Good, some manufacturers use plastic. I use oilite bronze in mine.