steering column lower bearing

[chris989]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to correct any slop in my steering and noticed the lower bearing on my column was not in the plastic retainer on the column. It was just hanging around on the shaft.

Funny thing is,, I can not install it were it is supposed to go. The shift tube is to close the the end of the column an will not allow the bearing to slide into place. I can get it on some, but not enough to install the retaining clip.

Is there a fastener somewhere in the column that has allow it to slide from its correct location? I can not find anything to raise the shift tube back into the column a little, Maybe just 1/4 inch? I am guessing the shift tube is what push the bearing out and cracked the plastic sleeve?