Upper steering column bearing replacement

[93FatBottom]

Hello! I've posted about this before. I currently have my steering column taken apart, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to remove/replace the bearing/bearing race on my upper column. I've found multiple pictures, video's, and tutorials and diagrams, but still can't find the specific details and it is driving me insane! Can anyone help me out?! It would be much appreciated! I don't want to have to go get a new column.

Thanks everyone!

[93FatBottom]

Originally Posted by 93FatBottom

Hello! I've posted about this before. I currently have my steering column taken apart, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to remove/replace the bearing/bearing race on my upper column. I've found multiple pictures, video's, and tutorials and diagrams, but still can't find the specific details and it is driving me insane! Can anyone help me out?! It would be much appreciated! I don't want to have to go get a new column.

Thanks everyone!

After some more Googling I came across a tear down walk through that shows that the bearing retainer pops out. I had it pop out when I went to put the lock ring back in, and the whole assembly popped out. I thought it was the bearing, come to find out it was the retainer. I'm going to attempt to knock it back in place with a screw driver and see if it holds.

[69heavychevy]

The ball bearing cage pops out of the race. You have to tap the races out.

[93FatBottom]

So this stupid bearing retainer, do I have to tap that back in, or does the spring compress it into place when I put the lock plate retainer clip back in?

[69heavychevy]

You shouldn't have to tap the preload cup in. I usually just push it in by hand until it "feels" like it bottoms out. Then just continue the re-assembly process. BTW, from your pic it looks like its already fully seated.