Steering wheel column bearing source?
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From: Great NW
Steering wheel column bearing source?
Where's the best place to buy a lower steering column bearing/bushing for a '78, non-tilt, PS column?
Also, what do you think of this guy's idea for a lower column bearing? Will it rattle?
Also, what do you think of this guy's idea for a lower column bearing? Will it rattle?
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That is an interesting solution to the bearing problem. I am guessing from the picture that is a standard 3/4" ball bearing and three screws to center and retain it. If it was me I might fill around it with epoxy (JB weld). I wouldn't worry about any rattles.
If you do a search here you should be able to find multiple threads with sources for the OEM bearing.
If you do a search here you should be able to find multiple threads with sources for the OEM bearing.
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From: SD
Dennis carpenter and auto krafters carry them, for $10-$15 if I remember correctly. The oem ones seem to be strong enough and last a while - unless the cab mounts are shot. That puts a lot of stress on the bearing.
Marty
Marty
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by Torque1st
If you do a search here you should be able to find multiple threads with sources for the OEM bearing.
Most of the treads you will find are people asking for sources with no answers given for a replacement, a couple ideas of a fix.
here's one from october
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=290365
and my latest
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=331360
Last edited by oldhalftons; Jan 20, 2005 at 09:31 AM.
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by 73Custom
Dennis-Carpenter.com lists this lower bushing with plastic flange for $6. The site lists it as a 73-77 part, but their info link says it works up to '79 2wd with fixed column.
Part # D9TZ-3C773-B
Marty
Part # D9TZ-3C773-B
Marty
most of the earlier lower parts won't work with the late columns
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If you look at the picture, you will see that the column terminates with what appears to be a folded over area where the metal bearing mounts.
On my '78 manual, non-tilt column, the steering column terminates with a raw edge, in the same manner as if you were to cut a tube with a hacksaw...
Are my eyes fooling me, or is there a diference in the ends of the steering columns?
BTW, my lower steering column bushing was BLACK plastic, not the common white color.
On my '78 manual, non-tilt column, the steering column terminates with a raw edge, in the same manner as if you were to cut a tube with a hacksaw...
Are my eyes fooling me, or is there a diference in the ends of the steering columns?
BTW, my lower steering column bushing was BLACK plastic, not the common white color.
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From: Spokane WA
there were black and white bearings.
yeah that pic does look like there is a lip at the end of the column that is wierd.
late-77 to 79 column don't have that lip. I think that lip was part of the conversion.
maybe shortening the tube a little.
the really annoying problem is that most of the late columns have the rag-joint flange welded the the steering shaft, so you have to dis-assemble the column to replace the lower bearing (you lucked out if you have a late column with a bolt-on flange). that shaft is splined, which makes me think its an earlier column or a late77-79 4x4 column.
if you look real close the rectangular cut-out for the plastic bearing locking tab looks like it is about 1/2" from the edge where the fold starts. all the ones I've ever seen have that cutout at about that distance in with no fold made so that folded area might be piece welded on
yeah that pic does look like there is a lip at the end of the column that is wierd.
late-77 to 79 column don't have that lip. I think that lip was part of the conversion.
maybe shortening the tube a little.
the really annoying problem is that most of the late columns have the rag-joint flange welded the the steering shaft, so you have to dis-assemble the column to replace the lower bearing (you lucked out if you have a late column with a bolt-on flange). that shaft is splined, which makes me think its an earlier column or a late77-79 4x4 column.
if you look real close the rectangular cut-out for the plastic bearing locking tab looks like it is about 1/2" from the edge where the fold starts. all the ones I've ever seen have that cutout at about that distance in with no fold made so that folded area might be piece welded on
Last edited by oldhalftons; Jan 21, 2005 at 12:18 AM.
Posting Legend
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Originally Posted by oldhalftons
I've been searching for over a month here and there are not multiple threads with sources for the lower bearing
Most of the treads you will find are people asking for sources with no answers given for a replacement, a couple ideas of a fix.
here's one from october
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=290365
and my latest
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=331360
Most of the treads you will find are people asking for sources with no answers given for a replacement, a couple ideas of a fix.
here's one from october
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=290365
and my latest
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=331360
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ring+steering+
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by Torque1st
I found this one with a simple search for "+bearing +steering" that took about 2 minutes to find looking thru threads. Many others are contained in that search. -Simple...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ring+steering+
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ring+steering+
every link in that thread came up with the wrong bearing,
have you actually seen the late 70's one piece plastic lower bearing torque1st?
I know people love to jump on the do-a-search bandwagon but
they should know what they are talking about before doing it.
Last edited by oldhalftons; Jan 21, 2005 at 01:29 AM.
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by GeneStoner
Just went out and looked at mine...
Those holes are about 1/4 inch from the end of the column tube. Looks about the same in the pic, considering the angle it is shot at.
Those holes are about 1/4 inch from the end of the column tube. Looks about the same in the pic, considering the angle it is shot at.