How do you remove the lower bearing in the steering column? I already have the column and shaft out. Thanks!

 

If it is plastic, you should be able to break it off and out of the column with a pair of pliers.

If that offends your sensibilities, you'll have to remove the center (solid) column entirely from the unit (up by the steering wheel) and then slide it off of that solid column. But you will probably need to do that anyway when you install your new lower bearing...

 

Not sure if I follow you. I have the column and the inner shaft and spring completely out. The bearing is still in the bottom of the main housing, it doesn't slide off the column. It looks like it is in some sort of retainer?

 

Is the retainer plastic?

 

No. There is like a plastic race on the steering shaft itself, but the bushing/bearing is in the end of the main housing.

 

 

It's been awhile since I messed with those bearings, If my memory correct, it should have a clip at the end so the bearing doesn't move., does it have the splines on the bottom of shaft?

 

Dennis,
The bearing is in the end of the steering column assembly...below the slot where the shift fork inserts. It must be built into the housing and non removable. It is not even shown on your exploded diagram. It is the bottom bearing that the steering columns turns on. The top bearing is shown, it is in the upper flange.

 

I know, I post the pic to show that they (FORD) don't show a bearing.

If the column had one, it should show up in an exploded view ...correct

Everything else is there

Maybe I'll do a part look up in my Fird Parts book ?

 

Dennis,
Any luck on the parts lookup?

 

73FOMO, check out national part depot, under the steering catalog, 3517 BEARING ASSY, Steering Column; 3518 BEARING SLEEVE, Steering Column Tube, they have what you're looking for.

 

This is a Mispost

 

Mil1ion, what is a mispost?

 

I posted the exact same info you before I saw your post.

I viewed it before logging in.

Then after I logged in and posted my info I saw and read your post, so rather than post the identical info, I typed in mispost because I can't delete the post or didn't have anything else to add plus, I needed 10 characters to make it happen