Tele steering column upper bearing

[Richard E.]

Is there a commercial part number available for a good quality replacement bearing? If not, are the replacement (reproduction) bearings from the Corvette aftermarket suppliers of good quality? Are there any special tools required or replacement instructions available for this work? Does the replacement bearing require greasing prior to install or do they come pre-lubricated?


Thanks for all responses.
Rich

[Domenic T.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Richard,
Yes they are available, yes they need lube and you will also need special a tool. The tool is a steering wheel puller which can be easily made.
I would use the service manual that shows the operation.

Dom

[Brian T.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

On a 66, the upper bearing seldom fails. Usually the culprit is the plastic part of the switch where the bearing seats. On the original switches, there is a metal retainer plate that is held to the switch with 2 small screws. They will crack where the screw holes are located and spread, causing excessive play or movement.

[Richard E.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Dom,
Would you possibly have the bearing part number & manufacture name for this bearing?
Thanks.
Rich

[Richard E.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Brian,
Thanks Brian, that could be it, I have not had the column apart yet. I don't have a exploded diagram of this part of the column, but I expect the puller is needed to remove the section of the column that the turn signal lever passes into (not the section that is called the "hub" but the section below the hub)? Does the column need to be removed from the car if the switch needs replacing? Are we talking about the actual "turn signal switch" (with the wires that attach to the cars wire harness) that may need replacing? Does the metal retainer plate hold the upper bearing into the switch? Sorry for all the questions, just want to be as clear as possible before starting this project!

Thanks.
Rich

[Brian T.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Rich,
You would only need to use a puller for the hub. If it is only the bearing that needs replacing, it can be done in the car. In the center of the switch is the bearing. On an original switch, there is a plate that is just above the bearing. Hopefully it is not cracked where the 2 screws go into the lower part of the switch. Odds are not in your favor!
If it is the switch, and the harness looks ok and is routed properly, I would just replace the plastic parts of the switch, and leave the harnesss in place. Trust me! The replacement bearign part number is 7800269. If memory serves me correctly, the original number was 5674684. The replacement works well. I do believe there is an aftermarket part, I have not used that part, as I do not do many tele columns these days.

Brian

[Joe L.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Rich,
You would only need to use a puller for the hub. If it is only the bearing that needs replacing, it can be done in the car. In the center of the switch is the bearing. On an original switch, there is a plate that is just above the bearing. Hopefully it is not cracked where the 2 screws go into the lower part of the switch. Odds are not in your favor!
If it is the switch, and the harness looks ok and is routed properly, I would just replace the plastic parts of the switch, and leave the harnesss in place. Trust me! The replacement bearign part number is 7800269. If memory serves me correctly, the original number was 5674684. The replacement works well. I do believe there is an aftermarket part, I have not used that part, as I do not do many tele columns these days.

Brian

Brian------


The GM #7800269 is now discontinued without supercession.

[Richard E.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Dom,
Appreciate the information, I do not have a service manual but will try to get one.
Thanks again.
Rich

[Richard E.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Brian,
Zip Products, C.A., etc. seem to handle a switch assembly for about $130.00 with integral harness. It does not appear that the harness is detachable from the switch assembly. Does the harness in fact plug into the switch? Just to clarify, I would then purchase the complete switch assembly (with harness) but ultimately only install the switch using the existing harness in the car in place of the new harness?

Thanks much.
Rich

[Domenic T.]

Re: Tele steering column upper bearing

Richard,
I think I got all my parts from LICorvette.

Dom