Steering column bearing
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Steering column bearing
My 74 AIM doesn't have an exploded view of the column and I want to replace the lower bearing, if that's what I think I'm looking at, and hearing. When I turn the steering shaft with my hand, the action is ruff and I can hear a slight grinding noise. Is there a bearing where the steering shaft disappears into the column and is it replaceable without an R&R on the column?
Brett :thumbs:
Brett :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: Steering column bearing (Brettmc)
I found an exploded view of the column on corvettefaq.com. It looks as if the lower bearing is held by a clip & retainer and should be removeable with the column in the car. Has anyone done this?
Brett :thumbs:
Brett :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 94
From: meraux LA
Re: Steering column bearing (Brettmc)
I've done it. It is a easy job. This is the hardest part .You will need to remove the column out of the car. Once out the lower bearing comes out easy. Took me about 2 hours from start to finish. Good luck. :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Re: Steering column bearing (Brettmc)
I replaced mine without taking the column out of the car. I did have to loosen it so that I could move it around to get the bearing back in, but my car had been wrecked before which made it a difficult job. Otherwise, it would've taken no time at all. The hardest part I think is taking the shaft loose (I replaced the old joint with a joint from Flaming River).
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: Steering column bearing (SuprJames)
SUPR - How did you get the retainer off the shaft....or does the retainer come off after you take the shaft outta the column??
Brett
:thumbs:
Brett
:thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Re: Steering column bearing (Brettmc)
It has been a long time since I did it, but I know I didn't take the shaft out of the column. It pushed up inside of it enough for me to slide the bearing out. I think the retainer just came out with a spring pin.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: Steering column bearing (SuprJames)
I got the pin off yesterday but could not get the retainer off. The sonofagun is kinda rusty tho. It might just need more persuasion. I didn't want to go any further without more info on how it was put together. I'll see if I can persuade it tonite with my trusty Ford adjusting tool.
Did your shaft slide up enuff to be flush with the bearing??
Brett :thumbs:
[Modified by Brettmc, 3:01 PM 8/19/2003]
Did your shaft slide up enuff to be flush with the bearing??
Brett :thumbs:
[Modified by Brettmc, 3:01 PM 8/19/2003]
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: Steering column bearing (SuprJames)
I got the retainer off today after work. Tried to pry off the bearing, but no luck. I soaked it in PB...gonna try again tomorrow. Any clues on how to get the bearing off without breaking sumpn?
Brett :thumbs:
Brett :thumbs:
