Steering column repair questions

[Longroof79]

If I recall, the ball bearings were loose and I just added grease to hold them in place. I didn't mess with replacing the race.

 

[Bri guy]

There was no way to do that with mine. Bearings everywhere. Plus i had the kit to replace them. Might as well do it

 

[Longroof79]

There was no way to do that with mine. Bearings everywhere. Plus i had the kit to replace them. Might as well do it

If you're dead set on replacing the race, I suppose with the ball bearings removed, you can gently pry the race out with a flat blade screwdriver. If the race is not galled and is in relatively good shape, just reuse it. I would inspect it first and make an assessment.

 

[Bri guy]

I had to use a small punch to knock them out. But want to make sure the new ones are correctly installed. Top and bottom are slightly different. And i dont know which way they should face

 

[Bri guy]

What side goes into the column...

 

[Bri guy]

I would assume the bearing would sit flat in the "holder" and that plastic would be facing out...

 

[Bri guy]

Anyone ever cut ALL these wires and then spliced them together? Having a hard time getting the bearing in with all that sh*t in the way

 

[69hurstolds]

I would assume the bearing would sit flat in the "holder" and that plastic would be facing out...

True. I believe there's an inner race that sits inside the balls around the shaft (say that in public 5 times) as well and the spring to hold all that sh*t in.

Wait, that's the LOWER bearing, right? I think I was disoriented there. The bearing has a flat side that sits on those housing lugs.

NO. Don't cut the wiring. I mean, you could, but then that's another can of worms. Totally unnecessary and would look like dog crap and likely cause problems down the road. Literally.

 

[Bri guy]

Just got back from vacation and back at this column. Ive heard putting the bearings in the freezer for an hour might make them shrink enough to sit in easier. What if i seperate the bearings and that plastic piece and then tap the bearing in with a socket or flat punch? Then put the plastic piece back on and then the bearings?

 

[Bri guy]

Alright. Made some progress. Pulled the column out to work on it. Stuck the bearings in the freezer. They went in way easier. Seems like they cant go in any farther. Does these pics look right?