Steering column
 

Hi folks...Tried to get an answer on this before, but nothing definitive.

I need to replace the middle bearing on my column, and I need advice on how to remove the part shown in the pic? (the bearing housing). I know the service manual suggests the use of a specific tool for the job....but where would one buy this tool?

Found a pic of the housing disassembled, but no info how.

Re: Steering column
 

Man, I was just gonna build a how to on this...

I am gonna resize and upload a few photos for you. Hang on

Re: Steering column
 

I'm hangin, I'm hangin...:lol:

Re: Steering column
 

the way i do it is look for some fine tread screw's put them in there and just use some plier's to pull them out......hope this work's...

Re: Steering column
 

ok, they make a special tool for this and I own it...but I cant find it so I threw this together last night and it worked like a charm.

Get a 8/32 machine screw, nut, washer, and a 1/2 inch socket in 1/4 inch drive.

If you use a different socket just make sure the inner edges clear the pins that you are trying to pull out.

Spray pins with your favorite penetrating oil.

1) Thread nut up the screw and then place washer on screw.
2) Place socket on to screw with large open end away from nut, washer, screw head.
3) Tighten screw (with all other parts installed) into the pin that you are trying to remove.
4) Now grab a wrench that fits the nut and tighten the nut down onto the washer/socket. As you tighten the nut, the pin is pulled up into the socket.

It should work right out. In my opinion this is way better than using just a screw and pliers to yank it out and a lot easier than using a slide hammer. If the screw is too loose it can bottom out in the pin and break off. I had this happen with the actual proper removal tool before and then you are in for a lot of work.

Thanks, John

Re: Steering column
 

Here is my question for you...what did you use to remove the large nut that is on the upper tilting steering shaft? A 15/16 wrench seems to fit "2 flats" but the 12 point box end of the wrench is too big. The next SEA wrench is too small and I checked metric 20-22 last night and they dont fit either. Sizes are all if my memory is correct.

Thanks, John

I thought my bearing were bad also but once I got it apart last night I found that my plastic nuckle (centering sphere) was broken into pieces and my joints were hitting the bolts and side of the housing. So I am searching for the plastic nuckle (centering sphere)

Re: Steering column
 

This is fantastic John!! now I can get this done all the way through without stopping at the hard part.:lol:

I took that nut off just using an adjustable plumbers wrench...nothing in my assortment of sockets was long enough to reach.

Wes at Classic Heartbeat is who I used for all the bearings, he must keep that knuckle also.

I wonder what horrors await down my shaft...:lol:

You're a gentleman sir....thank you.

Re: Steering column
 

No worries, glad to help. Thanks for the link, I will give Wes a ring.

Re: Steering column
 

John, Wes has PM'D me and said GM calls it a sphere unit and he can have one in two days. $14.95.

Re: Steering column
 

Great, and thanks. I actually emailed him and will prob order one today.

Re: Steering column
 

I ended up going to the pick a part and used the home-made tool pictured above and pulled apart a 73+ tilt column. I grabbed the plastic centering sphere out of that and it works in our older columns.

I temp installed everything to check for slop and it was good to go. I now pulled everything back apart and want to prep it for paint or powder coat.

Still looking for the large socket for the upper tilt bearing nut.

Thanks, John