Bit of play at bottom of column

[Frankie P.]

Hello and good evening,

First off, thanks to all who participate and post on here. My truck coming together nicely because of all of you.

Now to my issue. I've purchased a tilt rebuilt column from a van. Went on fine, but at the bottom of the shaft there is a bit of play. I don't mean turning the shaft, more like up and down and side to side. It's a little bit, but wondering what tightens this up. I know that with the tilt, the spring and retainer washer from non-tilt isn't used.

Another thing, I'm using a u-joint, would the factory shaft tighten things up?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Frankie P.]

The play I have is here..

[webfoot]

It looks like the clip which retains that lower bearing is missing.

It also looks like it is not new, and luckily the lower bearing is still available and is not expensive.

[Frankie P.]

Sorry I forgot.. I have the retaininer and clip, I just happen to take it off right before the pic to check bearing..thanks tho

[joeydurango]

Play there simply means the bearing is somewhat worn (or out of spec). Or, you're missing the o-ring that sits between the bearing and the shaft. I put a new bearing in mine, but it still has a little play... that's LMC for you.

[Frankie P.]

Hey thanks joeydurango. The column is rebuilt and had new bearing. The play just seemed like too much. So what I did was take the bearing out, replaced it with my old one (which fit tighter on the shaft) and it solved my problem. It does still have a little play/floats but my steering definitely stiffened up.

Again thank you.