scott1963vette

I have my 1963 steering column disassembled and my question is how tight are the upper and lower bearings? The ball bearings are still in their races but I can wiggle the ID in relation to the OD. Should they be tight with no play or are they purposely loose?

Scott

63driver

Scott, If you believe they are originals, replace them. This is essentially a safety issue. Before you order the replacement for the top, ensure the supplier has one that matches yours. You probably have the green horn wire attached to the bearing. Some of the parts suppliers sell them with a brown wire and you don't know it until it arrives.

While the column is out are you restoring the brake pedal assembly. This is a good time to media blast the assembly, check the pivot points, add new paint, new plastic washers and grease.

Good luck

scott1963vette

63Driver
I have rebuilt my clutch and brake assembly. I am in the process of putting my dash back in with new wiring and so forth. I was wondering about the bearings. Does the sleeve on the shaft act as a spacer between the upper bearing and the steering wheel hub? I didn't take the sleeve off as it wasn't necessary for disassembly for everything else. Thank you for your help.

Scott

63driver

This is the upper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-...04490034QQrdZ1

I'm looking for some photos to answer your question.

Harry

63driver

Here is the upper installed

scott1963vette

Thank you Harry,
I will replace both the upper and lower bearings. I am this far into it, it would be silly not to.

Scott