Changing bearings in steering column
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: london, ontario
a few years ago i snapped the steering shaft in mine. turned out into rush hour traffic, went across 2 lanes, then back and over a curb. since the shaft broke right at the bottom, everything inside of mine has been missing since then. i was able to get it welded, but it's a little longer now.lol
i've been looking for a coloum at the wreckers that i could rebuild. mabye i can find one with the lower bearing in it.
i've been looking for a coloum at the wreckers that i could rebuild. mabye i can find one with the lower bearing in it.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Rockfield, KY
I made a collar that clamps on the steering shaft, then put 1/4" ball bearings between the clamp on collar and the housing that comes through the firewall. It's kinda hard to explain but was easy and works quite well. If anyone is interested let me know and I can sketch up a picture.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Originally Posted by Kostiuk
I made a collar that clamps on the steering shaft, then put 1/4" ball bearings between the clamp on collar and the housing that comes through the firewall. It's kinda hard to explain but was easy and works quite well. If anyone is interested let me know and I can sketch up a picture.
Anyway, last time I got a nylon lower steering column bushing from Ford it had a 1" bore and my steering shaft is 3/4". So I did something similar to what Kostiuk is talking about but used a 3/4"id 1"od bronze bushing to make up the difference.
The bronze pilot bearing in my 360FE was giving me trouble so I replaced it with a 6303 sealed ball bearing. Someday when I have it to do over again I'm going with a sealed bearing at the bottom of my steering column.
That odd sized ball bearing at the top of the column can be had from sources other than "automotive" (that like to jack up the price on bearings;) just get the deminsions and get on the internet, find the numbers that'll work for you then call the local bearing shop/s. ;)
Works for me. :)
Alvin in AZ (special orderd my F150 in late Nov '74)
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