Brettmc

My 74 AIM doesn't have an exploded view of the column and I want to replace the lower bearing, if that's what I think I'm looking at, and hearing. When I turn the steering shaft with my hand, the action is ruff and I can hear a slight grinding noise. Is there a bearing where the steering shaft disappears into the column and is it replaceable without an R&R on the column?

Brett :thumbs:

Brettmc

I found an exploded view of the column on corvettefaq.com. It looks as if the lower bearing is held by a clip & retainer and should be removeable with the column in the car. Has anyone done this?

Brett :thumbs:

crf311

I've done it. It is a easy job. This is the hardest part .You will need to remove the column out of the car. Once out the lower bearing comes out easy. Took me about 2 hours from start to finish. Good luck. :cool:

Brettmc

Why does the column need to come out?

It looks like the bearing and retainer will come out with the column in the car.

Brett :thumbs:

SuprJames

I replaced mine without taking the column out of the car. I did have to loosen it so that I could move it around to get the bearing back in, but my car had been wrecked before which made it a difficult job. Otherwise, it would've taken no time at all. The hardest part I think is taking the shaft loose (I replaced the old joint with a joint from Flaming River).

Brettmc

SUPR - How did you get the retainer off the shaft....or does the retainer come off after you take the shaft outta the column??

Brett

:thumbs:

SuprJames

It has been a long time since I did it, but I know I didn't take the shaft out of the column. It pushed up inside of it enough for me to slide the bearing out. I think the retainer just came out with a spring pin.

Brettmc

I got the pin off yesterday but could not get the retainer off. The sonofagun is kinda rusty tho. It might just need more persuasion. I didn't want to go any further without more info on how it was put together. I'll see if I can persuade it tonite with my trusty Ford adjusting tool.

Did your shaft slide up enuff to be flush with the bearing??

Brett :thumbs:


[Modified by Brettmc, 3:01 PM 8/19/2003]

SuprJames

LOL, before you get out the Ford tools you might want to get a second opinion!!

Brettmc

I got the retainer off today after work. Tried to pry off the bearing, but no luck. I soaked it in PB...gonna try again tomorrow. Any clues on how to get the bearing off without breaking sumpn?

Brett :thumbs: