68 Lower Column Bearing
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55
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From: Phillipsburg Kansas
68 Lower Column Bearing
I have removed the column on my 68, non tilt, non power. I have the lower bearing out now, but am having a hard time finding the correct replacement. The lower bearing I have has ball bearings inside of it. It wasn't "shot" but was fairly rusty and rolled rough. I had most of it torn apart to replace the turn signal cam and also to replace the steering gear and rag joint, so i figured I'd do it while I was there. Hopefully not a bad choice....Its wet with PB Blaster just FYI.
The Red line showers where I can see the roller bearings
The Yellow line is where I separated the lower bearing from the column
The Red line showers where I can see the roller bearings
The Yellow line is where I separated the lower bearing from the column
Last edited by Tyrel B; Mar 16, 2018 at 04:43 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 361
From: Monson MA
I replaced mine a couple years ago. I think it was a needle bearing. The original was ball like yours. I'm pretty sure I bought mine from Paragon Corvette. You could also try Dr. Rebuild. I have had good luck getting NOS and correct part from him lately.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 1,359
try searching for: OEM Part Number 7800407 BEARING
Below is a link to a couple of places... but you can search around to see if you can find a better price.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/steering...g-lower-67l-68
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...r-bearing.aspx
Below is a link to a couple of places... but you can search around to see if you can find a better price.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/steering...g-lower-67l-68
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...r-bearing.aspx
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 16, 2018 at 06:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
When the lower brg failed on my 6t8, and after getting the wrong bearing I went and got a oilite bronze bushing [about a inch in length] from a local bearing house. That was 10 years ago and still no play. T
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,663
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 1,359
According to the Oilite website the nearest distributor to Phillipsburg KS is in Kearny NE.
https://oilite.com/distributors
Unless you know the exact one you need...I'd go to the distributor to get one.....not sure how to determine which one you need, unless you can eyeball them.
https://oilite.com/distributors
Unless you know the exact one you need...I'd go to the distributor to get one.....not sure how to determine which one you need, unless you can eyeball them.
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 17, 2018 at 07:43 PM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,530
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I ended up buying a plain bronze bearing/bushing from Home depot or Lowes. Since they didn't stock the correct length bearing I bought a longer one and cut it to length. I put plenty of grease above the bearing so it could work it's way down over the years. I also applied silicone sealer to the bottom of the column where the shaft exited so water could not enter as it did with the original bearing......3 years and smooth as can be.
You can order a sealed ball bearing or needle bearing for about $15.00 from a bearing warehouse/store.
You can order a sealed ball bearing or needle bearing for about $15.00 from a bearing warehouse/store.