HELP! Steering Column Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

adamd320i · 09-08-2010, 06:05 PM

I am working to get my '71 C-10 road worthy again after nearly 5 years. I ordered a lower steering column bearing and retainer from LMC truck last week and it arrived today. The lower bearing that is currently in the column has slowly been reduced to nothing more than the inner bearing ring, so there is a ton of up-down, side to side slop in the steering wheel. I'm fairly new to the sight so this may have been covered before but I have search the threads and cant find any info on replacing the lower bearing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

dznucks · 09-08-2010, 06:43 PM

is it a three speed?

adamd320i · 09-08-2010, 07:01 PM

Yes, but the linkages have been removed and a floor shifter installed. It's also non tilt...if that makes any difference.

bovey · 09-09-2010, 02:16 AM

first thing I'd do is google the exploded view of your column - just in case.

I just tore one apart not too long ago and I think all you have to do is drop out the shaft and take apart what you need to get at the bearing.

However. on the '71 column there might me a spring that puts a small amount on tension on the bearings.

Again, find the manual/exploded view page - it'll your best friend.

If you are still having trouble - PM me - My new bearings just showed up too I'm swapping from a auto to manual shifter column.

dznucks · 09-09-2010, 07:26 AM

I just went through this two weekends ago as well.

I attached the exploded view of the column. i dont know if it is exactly like what you have.

you should be able to disconnect the steering shaft from the coupler by removing bolt labelled #21 in the diagram. you may need to remove your steering wheel too (mine was bare when i installed it).
there should be a band clamp looking thing at the bottom of your column. Loosen the #12 bolt that tightens the adjusting ring clamp and then remove the two small bolts #10 that bolts the adjusting clamp and bearing retainer to the column.

the adjusting ring #17 and bearing # 18 should come out.

When i did mine, the new bearing would not fit the new adjusting ring even though they came in the same box. i had to use the old ring.

dznucks · 09-09-2010, 07:28 AM

Lets try that again

09-08-2010, 07:01 PM	#3
adamd320i Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sparta, NC Posts: 5	Re: HELP! Steering Column Question Yes, but the linkages have been removed and a floor shifter installed. It's also non tilt...if that makes any difference. __________________ 1968 C-30 2WD 1 ton 1971 C-10 2WD SWB 1972 Monte Carlo 1995 Subaru Impreza "Daily Driver" 2001 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

09-09-2010, 02:16 AM	#4
bovey Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 73	Re: HELP! Steering Column Question first thing I'd do is google the exploded view of your column - just in case. I just tore one apart not too long ago and I think all you have to do is drop out the shaft and take apart what you need to get at the bearing. However. on the '71 column there might me a spring that puts a small amount on tension on the bearings. Again, find the manual/exploded view page - it'll your best friend. If you are still having trouble - PM me - My new bearings just showed up too I'm swapping from a auto to manual shifter column.

09-09-2010, 07:26 AM	#5
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: HELP! Steering Column Question I just went through this two weekends ago as well. I attached the exploded view of the column. i dont know if it is exactly like what you have. you should be able to disconnect the steering shaft from the coupler by removing bolt labelled #21 in the diagram. you may need to remove your steering wheel too (mine was bare when i installed it). there should be a band clamp looking thing at the bottom of your column. Loosen the #12 bolt that tightens the adjusting ring clamp and then remove the two small bolts #10 that bolts the adjusting clamp and bearing retainer to the column. the adjusting ring #17 and bearing # 18 should come out. When i did mine, the new bearing would not fit the new adjusting ring even though they came in the same box. i had to use the old ring. Last edited by dznucks; 09-09-2010 at 07:26 AM.

09-09-2010, 07:28 AM	#6
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: HELP! Steering Column Question Lets try that again Attached Images

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09-08-2010, 06:05 PM	#1
adamd320i Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sparta, NC Posts: 5	HELP! Steering Column Question I am working to get my '71 C-10 road worthy again after nearly 5 years. I ordered a lower steering column bearing and retainer from LMC truck last week and it arrived today. The lower bearing that is currently in the column has slowly been reduced to nothing more than the inner bearing ring, so there is a ton of up-down, side to side slop in the steering wheel. I'm fairly new to the sight so this may have been covered before but I have search the threads and cant find any info on replacing the lower bearing. Any help would be greatly appreciated! __________________ 1968 C-30 2WD 1 ton 1971 C-10 2WD SWB 1972 Monte Carlo 1995 Subaru Impreza "Daily Driver" 2001 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

09-08-2010, 06:43 PM	#2
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: HELP! Steering Column Question is it a three speed?



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