Tilt lower bearing removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70LonghornCST · 07-18-2008, 01:32 PM

I just bought a Tilt steering column from a 1970 GM truck. I did a "search" here and found many posts on columns, but could not find one on this exact aspect: bearing removal.

When I turn the mast I can hear a grinding sound like there is dirt or metal bits in the lower bearing. I have ordered a new lower tilt bearing and plastic housing. But, how do you remove the bearing from the shaft (mast)? I know there is a metal clip and bearing retainer, but after those are removed, how does one proceed to
remove the bearing from the shaft? I just don't want to mess anything up. Please enlighten me!

Thanks!
-Richard

OhioDan · 07-18-2008, 03:39 PM

Hope this helps?

70LonghornCST · 07-18-2008, 04:42 PM

It does, thanks Dan!

However, how does one remove the lower bearing? Is there a special tool, or does one just wiggle, pry, and tap it off?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 07-18-2008, 09:19 PM

The bearing just slides off of the shaft but it helps to clean the shaft first with fine sand paper. Lube the shaft with a penetrant, also.

After that "wiggle, pry, and tap" it off. (I assume that you have the snap ring removed).

Jim

**Green Machine** · 07-18-2008, 10:11 PM

Just did one of these, our bearing was plenty rusty on the shaft, and the retainer was made of plastic. Soak it up with BB blaster, and wiggle, pry, tap !!!

70LonghornCST · 07-18-2008, 11:15 PM

Thanks guys! LOL!!! Yes, the snap ring is off. I'll give 'er a shot.

72BlckButy · 07-19-2008, 12:00 AM

I'm glad someone brought up this point, because I'm planning on rebuild the tilt column this summer. Good luck Richard!

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 07-19-2008, 09:42 AM

Has anyone ever done a write up on a tilt rebuild?

72BlckButy · 07-19-2008, 11:40 PM

Not from what I've found on the board, but I think that it is definitely needed.

When I start the rebuild on my column I will have to catch a picture, and if no one has started one I will try my best to create one.

70LonghornCST · 07-20-2008, 01:37 AM

Well, that did the trick. I got the lower bearing off. Thanks! I did not need to remove the upper as it was fine. Besides, I am a visual learner and getting the top part of the column apart without pictures is not something I wanted to do if I didn't need to.

The bummer news is that the column that I am rebuilding I just bought off of eBay. The seller advertised it as "off of a 1970 Chevy Truck." So, I figure that I'll just use it and colapse that shaft as I have read.

Is there a write up with pictures on colapsing the intermediate shaft at the plastic rivits? I would like to see for certain where and what I need to do the mod.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 07-20-2008, 02:56 AM

If the column you have is an original truck column, collapsing the shaft is not needed.

Jim

70LonghornCST · 07-20-2008, 03:09 AM

...oops, I meant to say that the seller advertised it as "off of a 1970 Chevy Truck." Howerver, it has the long shaft and it so it is a VAN column. Instead of dealing with sending it back and so on, I just figure that I'll just use it anyways and colapse that shaft as I have read somewhere. But pictures and a write up would definately be of help.

70GMCer · 07-20-2008, 09:23 AM

I just used a hammer with the shaft off the column & in a vise. Couple hits on the end on the shaft, & the plastic rivets give.

70LonghornCST · 07-20-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70GMCer

I just used a hammer with the shaft off the column & in a vise. Couple hits on the end on the shaft, & the plastic rivets give.

Do I need to cover the ends to protect them from the hammer? Or do you not have to hit it that hard?

I have a couple questions in regaurds to getting the van column to work:

1. What about the neutral safety switch? Do I need to move its location? If so, do I need to cut a similar sized slot into the column sleeve?

2. Does the slined (van) steering shaft bolt right up (fit) the intermediate shaft on a truck?

3. Once the intermediate shaft is colapsed, and you have it all bolted back together, is there play or slop in the shaft? Should I
re-drill and insert some bolts or screws where the old rivit holes were to tighten it up?

eightbanger · 07-20-2008, 06:52 PM

Here you go, these are the guys that helped me
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=191143

07-18-2008, 01:32 PM	#1
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Tilt lower bearing removal I just bought a Tilt steering column from a 1970 GM truck. I did a "search" here and found many posts on columns, but could not find one on this exact aspect: bearing removal. When I turn the mast I can hear a grinding sound like there is dirt or metal bits in the lower bearing. I have ordered a new lower tilt bearing and plastic housing. But, how do you remove the bearing from the shaft (mast)? I know there is a metal clip and bearing retainer, but after those are removed, how does one proceed to remove the bearing from the shaft? I just don't want to mess anything up. Please enlighten me! Thanks! -Richard __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

07-18-2008, 03:39 PM	#2
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Hope this helps? Attached Images __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

07-18-2008, 04:42 PM	#3
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal It does, thanks Dan! However, how does one remove the lower bearing? Is there a special tool, or does one just wiggle, pry, and tap it off? __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

07-18-2008, 09:19 PM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal The bearing just slides off of the shaft but it helps to clean the shaft first with fine sand paper. Lube the shaft with a penetrant, also. After that "wiggle, pry, and tap" it off. (I assume that you have the snap ring removed). Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 07-18-2008 at 09:21 PM. Reason: wording change

07-18-2008, 10:11 PM	#5
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Just did one of these, our bearing was plenty rusty on the shaft, and the retainer was made of plastic. Soak it up with BB blaster, and wiggle, pry, tap !!! __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

07-18-2008, 11:15 PM	#6
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Thanks guys! LOL!!! Yes, the snap ring is off. I'll give 'er a shot. __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

07-19-2008, 12:00 AM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal I'm glad someone brought up this point, because I'm planning on rebuild the tilt column this summer. Good luck Richard! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

07-19-2008, 09:42 AM	#8
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Has anyone ever done a write up on a tilt rebuild? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

07-19-2008, 11:40 PM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Not from what I've found on the board, but I think that it is definitely needed. When I start the rebuild on my column I will have to catch a picture, and if no one has started one I will try my best to create one. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 07-19-2008 at 11:40 PM.

07-20-2008, 01:37 AM	#10
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Well, that did the trick. I got the lower bearing off. Thanks! I did not need to remove the upper as it was fine. Besides, I am a visual learner and getting the top part of the column apart without pictures is not something I wanted to do if I didn't need to. The bummer news is that the column that I am rebuilding I just bought off of eBay. The seller advertised it as "off of a 1970 Chevy Truck." So, I figure that I'll just use it and colapse that shaft as I have read. Is there a write up with pictures on colapsing the intermediate shaft at the plastic rivits? I would like to see for certain where and what I need to do the mod. __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

07-20-2008, 02:56 AM	#11
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal If the column you have is an original truck column, collapsing the shaft is not needed. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

07-20-2008, 03:09 AM	#12
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal ...oops, I meant to say that the seller advertised it as "off of a 1970 Chevy Truck." Howerver, it has the long shaft and it so it is a VAN column. Instead of dealing with sending it back and so on, I just figure that I'll just use it anyways and colapse that shaft as I have read somewhere. But pictures and a write up would definately be of help. __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal Last edited by 70LonghornCST; 07-20-2008 at 03:10 AM.

07-20-2008, 09:23 AM	#13
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal I just used a hammer with the shaft off the column & in a vise. Couple hits on the end on the shaft, & the plastic rivets give. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

07-20-2008, 06:52 PM	#15
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: Tilt lower bearing removal Here you go, these are the guys that helped me http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=191143 __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger



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