'96 truck in signature, 5 speed, the steering felt like it was "catching" and today it started this awful squeaking sound. After some search reading I guess the bearings are gone in the column. Are these dealer only parts? anyone have a generic part #?

 

buy dealer and be done, there is a full kit

 

Pain in the butt too. I've been trying to get into mine on 3 separate occasions and still can't get past step 2. The bearings aren't expensive, but it is not a job I have been able to make much progress on. Last time in I shot it with white lithium and it helped a bit. Getting me through anyway.

 

Thanks guys, I will try the lube and buy/order the bearings and get on it soon as possible. This one is the dress truck.

 

subscribing, mine has slop in it also.

 

it will probably be easier to just change the column.
don't just look at trucks, the panther class cars use the same column as the trucks do.

 

Changing the bearings isn't that much work, but to replace ALL the wear items in the column you're looking at around a $100 bill. I highly suggest finding a good column in the junk yard if possible, around here I think they get $20 for them.
Don't let it go too long because you can lose steering control and/or trash the contact ring for the cruise control on the back of the wheel if the bearings get bad enough.

 

Tom - what are "panther class" cars?

 

^^^^ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, etc....

 

yup. crown vic, grand marquis, lincoln town car, mercury marauder.