lower steering column bearing question
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
With column out of car, remove rag joint flange. Then remove the pinch sleeve. Now remove the retaining clip from around the retainer, and remove the retainer, and the spring. You should now have access to the bearing and nylon and/or teflon bearing holder. Clean the shaft with emery cloth spray with some PB Blaster, and try to pry the bearing GENTLY up and off the shaft. This worked for me with my '69 column and with some patience, it should work for you also. I hope I didn't leave anything out, but if I did I'm sure someone on the site will chime in. At least I think my spelling and grammar are correct. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
well that was a real pita but i got it off. the plastic spacer didnt want to move but i finally got it slipped off then the spring and washer. the bearing had already came completely apart. the ball bearings rolled out and the inner race fell out. unfortunately the outer race had become almost fused to the housing so i had to split it with a carbide cutter then when i tapped it good it came out too. dont you just love working on 37 year old parts that have been together so long they have practically bonded together.
