What am I missing here?? Picture attached

[82firebird]

I noticed a rattling noise coming from under the hood only at certain RPM's. I popped my hood and noticed this collar(?) appears to have come unattached. How is this supposed to be and what should I do to fix it?

[PlumCraZRT]

Looks like you're missing quite a bit...

Take a look at this to see how to rebuild it: http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/ml-houstons-steeringcoupler.html

Here's the rebuild kit (along with a diagram).  You should be able to order it from any Mopar supplier (Summit might even have it): http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/steering/2.html

[burdar]

Accually, your not missing anything.  The collar just came loose from the coupler.  Most of the grease is probably gone and you most likely have some dirt in there.  Call your local dealer and see if they have a rebuild kit in stock.  Mine did.  Just be very careful not to clamp the collar on too tight.  You can cut the new seal.

[Grec]

You may need a new coupler as well as it looks like some of the "ears" on yours have been filed off. Might be tough to get the seal-retaining bracket to lock down correctly otherwise.

This is prob why yours isn't attached.

[82firebird]

Thanks guys, it looks like the coupler was hitting the header and that's why it came off. Looks like I will have a weekend project as soon as the coupler kit arrives. I think after it is properly repaired, I will "clearance" the header to prevent this from happening again. 

[PlumCraZRT]

Thanks guys, it looks like the coupler was hitting the header and that's why it came off. Looks like I will have a weekend project as soon as the coupler kit arrives. I think after it is properly repaired, I will "clearance" the header to prevent this from happening again. 

A couple things mentioned in a different guide (that I just found http://www.buschis-place.de/steeringcouplerrepair.htm):

*Supposedly the "shoes" install correctly only one of two ways, so if there is a lot of play once you've inserted it, try a different way.
*The guys said he packed the coupler body full of water-resistant grease (maybe suspension grease?) before he sealed it up to prevent moisture from getting in there.  I thought that was a good idea and I plan to do that when I service/rebuild mine.