Very Hot Steering Column - is this normal ??

[72ls5fla]

hello ----


Is it normal for the steering column to get VERY hot after an hour or so of HWY driving?

It gets so hot that you can;t leave your hand on it for to long.  Plus the even the key in the ignition get hot.

Is there something that may be missing under the hood to stop hot air from creeping up the steering column?

Bill

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I'm guessing you have headers that aren't ceramic coated. That's the only thing I can think of that would generate that kind of heat.

I answer to your question, NO this is not normal.

[72ls5fla]

no headers --

just reproduction factory exhaust..


I don't feel hot air comming thru the column while driving.  I do have all windows down, since there is no AC in the car.  Any chance that is causing super heated air to creep up the column?

I had a 72 Vette that acted like this anytime I drove with the windows down.  Soon as I rolled them up and left only a small crack the column would start to cool down.

Is there a seal or bushing at the outer end of the steering column that may be missing or defective?

Bill

[brads70]

Do you have a good ground from the battery to the body and engine?

[Jim]

Had the same issue in my Challenger (that I sold last year). 440 car with factory exhaust. Never did confirm the cause, but I'm assuming it was exhaust heat. Definitely creeped me out a bit, but I drove thousands of miles like that.

[Jim]

I also had a 69 Charger equipped with TTi headers and X-pipe exhaust, and I swear you could fry an egg on the console top during long highway drives.

[72ls5fla]

sounds like this a normal thing ..    i was just worried it might damage the wiring in the steering column.

[dodj]

Is there a seal or bushing at the outer end of the steering column that may be missing or defective?

Bill

Yes. There is a plastic bushing and behind it is a foam seal of sorts to block air and water.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree there should be a plastic bushing at the bottom of the colum to seal it  off , without it air flow up the column is possible

[WildJones]

Interesting, I have noticed the same thing (though maybe not to the same degree of heat as you described) and just figured it was "normal." The seals that you guys mentioned, are they more or less in plain sight?

[tman]

Glad Im not  the only one experiencing this . 

[shadango]

Same "issue" here.......mostly on the hottest days and on long rides.

I personally think it is just heat transfer from the firewall  to the metal steering column tube.

 

[brads70]

Same "issue" here.......mostly on the hottest days and on long rides.

I personally think it is just heat transfer from the firewall  to the metal steering column tube.

 

Drive faster then!    

[Chryco Psycho]

there is a 3 point snap ring / circlip around the bottom of the column , the nylon bushing should be clearly visable in the end of the tube , if there is a gap there the bushing is missing , I would take a picture of my car butit is about 4000 miles away right now

[72ls5fla]

have a question for ya all....

at the end of my column I have a rotating tube with an arm.  I am guessing this is for the key lockout function.
The steering shaft exits out the center of this rotating tube assembly.

Should there be any kind of insulating ring/assembly that goes around the steering shaft and between the rotating tube assembly?
I am asking this becuase I am not sure if the hot air could be traveling up through that gap.

I do have the bushing and assembly that goes between the rotating tube assembly and the outer steering column housing in place.

Thanks in advance.

Bill