steering column

[cpisani70@aol.com]

I have my column all apart to rebuid and paint I want to replace the bearings can someone tell me how the lower one comes off ?

[Wrenchbender Ret]

It is brobably stuck to the shaft. It is supposed to float on the shaft but after all those years in that environment they are usually stuck. You might be able to hammer it down or may have to cut it off.

[cpisani70@aol.com]

Thanx Iwas thinking of cutting with a die grinder being careful not to damage the shaft then just sliding on the new one i appreciate the advice

[dznucks]

What type of column? 3 speed or auto?

the bearing loosely presses into the thick round bushing thingy that slips into the end of the column. you'll have to remove the shaft completely and you should be able to remove it.
Wrenchbender is probly right, you may want to spray it with liquid wrench and let it sit for a while to losen up the crud.

[54Caddy]

i just did the same thing on my column this weekend. Make sure you take note of which way they are on before you take them off. If not the bearings will fall out and you will have a wobble in the steering wheel. My truck is a 79 so it may differ but the bearings and races on mine i had to tap them out of piece they are in. I sprayed some wd-40 before i began to hit them out. Hope this helps but like i said the columns internal parts may be different compared to mine. Good luck

[cpisani70@aol.com]

Thanx DZ i do have the entire column completely apart sometimes i womder how these "little" projects become millions of parts. Oh well the truck is a 4 speed I ordered some new column parts and one is the lower bearing cuz mine was crunchy so when it gets here on Wednesday hopefully it goes together ok