Replace your lower column bearing: Better and Cheaper!!!

[WildJones]

Also, how do you guys remove the steering shaft from the outter jacket? The wires that attach to the plastic piece run out of slack with the steering shaft about half way through the outter section. Do I need to disassemble the top section some more?

[shawge]

The steering shaft pin will need a shop press.  You'll need to press the pin off in order to slide the bearing up.  Don't forget to re-install the seal before pressing the pin back on. 

[WildJones]

Thanks! I don't have a press, but was able to beat it out using a vice, hammer, and punch. Also, figured out that the wires can be oriented in such a way to get through the openings. Guess I didn't have the thinking cap on tight enough on Saturday.

[HP_Cuda]

Mike

What part of the Bay Area are you in?

B

[Denison636]

I need to look into doing this on mine while the motor is out.

[Code3]

I went through the whole build and put it back together but the steering wheel was upside down so I took the coupler off of the steering box took the shaft out and rotated 180deg. now the thing is short by a couple inches. I can't get it to fit again? WTF? It fit just fine and I've been going nuts trying to figure it out. I've taken the shaft in and out about 10 times and it's still too short.

If the coupler goes on the steering box the shaft falls out. If the coupler is on the shaft then it won't reach the steering box.

It's definitely user error but don't know what I'm, doing wrong. 

[filmsurgeon]

I went through the whole build and put it back together but the steering wheel was upside down so I took the coupler off of the steering box took the shaft out and rotated 180deg. now the thing is short by a couple inches. I can't get it to fit again? WTF? It fit just fine and I've been going nuts trying to figure it out. I've taken the shaft in and out about 10 times and it's still too short.

If the coupler goes on the steering box the shaft falls out. If the coupler is on the shaft then it won't reach the steering box.

It's definitely user error but don't know what I'm, doing wrong. 

Is it at all possible that in your process you "collapsed" that the shaft by sheering the sheer pins?  If so, that would explain the shaft being shorter.  Just a thought.  I accidentally sheered my pins and collapsed the shaft while I was dissembling my column for restoration.  I had to re-establish the correct length of the collapsable shaft, and improvise using rivets to keep the length.

[Code3]

I just took the whole thing apart and you are exactly right filmsurgeon! I didn't know it was a two piece shaft! 

Did you just use rivets to put it back? Did you line it up and drill the plastic pins out and replace with rivets?

what is the correct length the shaft should be?

I could've swore I was going crazy! I tapped on the shaft from the steering wheel side to get it over the splines on the steering box. That's what did it!

[Code3]

The black line is where is used to be but now I don't know how far to lengthen it.

[72bluNblu]

The black line is where is used to be but now I don't know how far to lengthen it.

The pins are sheared already, so I would use a small drill bit to get the outer pieces of the pins out of the shaft. Don't drill all the way through to the inner shaft, just enough to get the little outer plugs out. Then you'll be able to see spots where the inner part of the pins were when you slide the inner shaft back and forth. Line up the inner pins with the outer holes and you're set.

As far as connecting the shafts again, just keep in mind that you want the shaft to collapse in case of an accident, so don't use anything too tough.

[Code3]

I pulled the shaft out and then measured how far it need to go back in. It looks like the plastic was injection molded from the factory. I ended up just moving it to right location and leaving it as is. I figured I'd rather have it collapse easily in a wreck.

[Denison636]

I am going to try this on my car this week. Waiting on the bearing to come in.

[Topcat]

Here is where you can get the upper column bearing.

http://dynamicrenovation.net/viewitem.php?productid=34

[roadman5312]

          I saved this thread from last year, ordered the bearing last week and installed it today. Didn't have to mess with the pin because I had to shorten the shaft for the Borgeson coupler. 8 bucks for the bearing, 15 minutes clean and prep, wham fantastic upgrade.      Note: If the bearing seller gets wind that were using them on Mopars the bearing will probably go up to $50.00 bucks.                             

 

[HP_Cuda]

No kidding and he will call it a Hemi steering column bearing!