Lower steering column bearing
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Lower steering column bearing
Hi folks, I need some help. I have a 71 or 72 steering column in my 66 F100 as part of a power steering conversion I did last year. The lower bearing in the column for the steering shaft has given up. Does anybody have a part number? Does anyone know where I can get one and has anyone removed the bearing without damaging the column itself? It is a little flimsy. Thanks very much.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
I had the same problem with a '72 column in my '66. The "bearing" was a plastic collar with a center hole through it. The hole had wallered out quite badly.
I bought a replacement steel bearing from this guy on E-bay, and now I have silky smooth steering. It was easy to install, but you have to remove the steering column to do it.
He has one on E-bay now, Item Number 260065493702.
I bought a replacement steel bearing from this guy on E-bay, and now I have silky smooth steering. It was easy to install, but you have to remove the steering column to do it.
He has one on E-bay now, Item Number 260065493702.
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BP66,
Thanks for the lead. I slogged around the Pick and Pull this afternoon in Moss Landing, that's on the West Coast near Monterey, California. Found a new donor. A 71 F350 Ranger Cab/Chassis that was probably an RV, the RV part is gone. I removed the whole column which was in very good shape including the nuetral start/backup light switch. I will order the bearing you pointed me to be sure of a good repair. This donor truck also has Ranger bucket seats so I may return to liberate those for reupholstry. Thanks again.
Mark
66 F100 Custom Cab Styleside Shorty
Thanks for the lead. I slogged around the Pick and Pull this afternoon in Moss Landing, that's on the West Coast near Monterey, California. Found a new donor. A 71 F350 Ranger Cab/Chassis that was probably an RV, the RV part is gone. I removed the whole column which was in very good shape including the nuetral start/backup light switch. I will order the bearing you pointed me to be sure of a good repair. This donor truck also has Ranger bucket seats so I may return to liberate those for reupholstry. Thanks again.
Mark
66 F100 Custom Cab Styleside Shorty
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Connecticut
Part number for the lower bearing is C3DZ 3517-A and the cone ia a B1AZ 3518-A. You can get them thru Ford or even NAPA. Just give them these part numbers to cross over. The most common reason they fail is the tube is worn, out of line, or you have cab mounts on the way out. Make sure the gap between the steering wheel and the lower hub or socket is not excessive, meaning any more that an 1'8 to 1/4 inch. if it is more then the cab is sagging and too much pressure is being put on the bearings, causing premature failure.
Barry
Barry
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From: las vegas nv.
I don't have any experience with the column you are talking about...but on my 66 (after having the lower bearing sieze in a turn) I found that the lower bearing was/is an unsealed unit and that trash in the column built up in the bearing and ruined it. I found a sealed bearing in my "parts n pieces" drawer and replaced it.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
Barry, I am not sure we are talking about the same bearing at the bottom of the column? ?
The '70s one I discussed earlier wasn't a bearing at all, it was a plastic plug in the bottom of the outer tube. It had 2 or 3 ears to clip into slots in the bottom of the column, and a central hole for the center steering shaft.
It was completely different from the ball bearing and race used in my '60s columns. The bottom of the earlier columns have a shaped metal plate, so to speak, with a formed cup to accept the bearing. This bearing is the same as used in the upper part of the steering column.
The '70s one I discussed earlier wasn't a bearing at all, it was a plastic plug in the bottom of the outer tube. It had 2 or 3 ears to clip into slots in the bottom of the column, and a central hole for the center steering shaft.
It was completely different from the ball bearing and race used in my '60s columns. The bottom of the earlier columns have a shaped metal plate, so to speak, with a formed cup to accept the bearing. This bearing is the same as used in the upper part of the steering column.
Postmaster
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From: Connecticut
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From: Northern Virginia
Very timely post if I must say.I just bought one for the 1976 steering column I am installing in my 1965.Looks like a good idea.Did you weld or screw yours in?
Joe
Joe
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Northern Virginia
Yes,Its not the greatest design.I just changed the column on the 75 when I went to power steering and it also had that set up but wasn't that worn so I let it go.The one going in the 65 is all wallowed out and I dont want to do it twice.
Joe
Joe
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