68 std column rebuild question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18
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68 std column rebuild question
Rebuilding my 68 std steering column my question is on the lower portion there is a fixed ring about 6.5 inches from end then a spring then a springed washer #262474 I have purchased the second design bearing which is basically a roller bearing If it is pushed up against the spring washer the tapered part of the washer slips under the needle bearing jamming the needles. This doesn't happen with the original bearing as it is curved such that the sping washer nestles into the bearing housing nicely with no interference.Am I doing this correctly should I eliminate the spring washer or turn it around. Has anyone had this issue and if so how did you resove. Thanks so much
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,756
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
68 column
Rebuilding my 68 std steering column my question is on the lower portion there is a fixed ring about 6.5 inches from end then a spring then a springed washer #262474 I have purchased the second design bearing which is basically a roller bearing If it is pushed up against the spring washer the tapered part of the washer slips under the needle bearing jamming the needles. This doesn't happen with the original bearing as it is curved such that the sping washer nestles into the bearing housing nicely with no interference.Am I doing this correctly should I eliminate the spring washer or turn it around. Has anyone had this issue and if so how did you resove. Thanks so much
I rebuilt a 68 tele steering column but can not remember this issue. I suggest you do an internet search for Jim Shea steering column. Jim was the GM engineer who designed these columns and he put together a superb set of technical how to papers on columns and more. I used Jim's info to rebuild mine
Last edited by 20mercury; Oct 12, 2024 at 12:47 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 725
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I remember those column bearings were hard to find.
just thinking out loud:
*find a parts column and rob the bearing
*Find a NOS bearing
*i wonder if you could fab a spacer out of a washer or a bushing to go between your new roller bearing and the pc causing the problem?
Let me know your fix as i will need to rebuild another 68 column
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2011
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yes those are all possible options Next few days maybe tomorrow if I can get time I want to try turning the expansion washer around so the taper is on spring side If taper slides under spring I think it should work fine I'll post my result
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18
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So I reversed the expansion washer the taper does not fit under spring but the small lip at end of taper pushes on spring ok so i'm fine with that side So now the flat side of expansion washer is up against the bearing specifically the cage that holds the needle bearings. The cage however is fixed to the outer shell of the bearing so when the expansion washer moves with the shaft the cage does not causing noticable friction Don't know if this is a big issue but this doesn't happen with original bearing Any thoughts
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: out of nowhere
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 4
I have found an nos bearing on line and have given up on 2nd design needle bearing for two reasons 1) I don't like the friction between the expansion washer(spring seat #262474) when turned around between the bearing cage and spring seat In it's original position the taper slides under the needles and jams the bearing I suppose one could put a nylon or teflon washer in between the reverse spring seat and bearing to reduce friction and 2) I'm not crazy about needle bearings riding on a unhardened and nonprecision shaft Maybe it's ok but I don't care for it I would love to hear from someone who used the needle bearing and how it worked out for them I may be over thinking this Thanks for all your responses
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,183
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From: out of nowhere
I don’t think you are over thinking it. As much as it has taken for you to drop, disassemble, pull apart that column, and what it would take to do so again warrants careful consideration. That, and going down the road and something binds, locking your steering. I would rather be as cautious as you than have to deal with tragedy or a repeat of all the labor, not to mention harming any restorative stuff you’ve done with finishes in those areas. Sometimes it pays to think forward as you are obviously doing.
I’m curious to see your final on this in case I ever travel this road!
I’m curious to see your final on this in case I ever travel this road!
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 14
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Hi. I just found this thread after searching. I'm rebuilding a 68 std column and need the lower bearing. Do you have a pic of the NOS bearing? Mine completely fell apart so I'm not sure what it looks like in one piece. Also where did you find the NOS bearing.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18
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Lower bearing 68 corvette
Mike"]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/image_7a2955f1a701d9cbcdc72a13b94e554ea5 5ca58a.jpg[/img]
I got this from a guy on eBay they are not easy to find. Good luck Mike
