C2 steering column lower bearing

[Robert T.]

I'm replacing the lower bearing on my 66 steering column as it has disintegrated and took my shaft with it. So... I have a new bearing, race and shaft that I am reassembling. Question is, should I have to drive the bearing up the shaft. Right now it is an interference fit and will not slide up the shaft. The new bearing came from Paragon, and looks very much like what was left of the original one.

Thanks for any replys.

Bob (22650)

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Bob,
When I installed a lower bearing on my 63 I had no problem with the shaft sliding through. I don't recall a race but maybe it was part of the bearing and I never noticed. If you have a camera can you post a picture of this race?

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Hello Tim,

I call it a race, but I guess it is more of a retainer which is what the repro houses call it. It's just a flanged piece of tubing that goes into the outer tube before the bearing goes in. LI and Paragon have good pictures on their WEB site. The "retainer" fits fine into the tube and the bearing fit fine into the retainer, but the inner shaft will not slilde though the bearing. The splined front end on the shaft goes through the bearing but about 4-5 inches up the shaft the bearing hangs up.

Bt

[Greg T.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

It's a fairly close fit. I would look for knicks or dings on the shaft. You can clean those up with a stone or VERY carefully with a fine file.

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Bob, when reinstalling the column, do not tighten anything until you are completely satisfied you have it in place. Keep it a bit loose.

Then finger tighten all the bolts and double check the fit everywhere, then tighten them.

Don't ask me how I know!

Harry

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Bob;

I just did the bearings on my 1963. The steering shaft on my car was painted some time ago which created a bit of a bind with the bearing pretty much as you mention. I found that sliding the bearing along the shaft a few times did the trick. As mentioned previously the fit should be close.

Good luck...

Joel

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Thanks a lot for the responses guys . Really appreciate you taking the time. Thanks.

I found that a little "friendly persuasion" with a box wrench helped. It really wasn't too bad. It certainly would not go on with just finger pressure though. I don't think I hurt anything.

Bob

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Should the lower bearing just twist out? I'm replacing mine and the bearing housing is not cooperating on the removal. Thoughts?

[Floyd B.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

I just completed the column on my '69. After being there 52 years, I had to cut the lower bearing to get it off. After getting it off, the shaft cleaned up fine and everything went back together smoothly.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Should the lower bearing just twist out? I'm replacing mine and the bearing housing is not cooperating on the removal. Thoughts?

Jerry what year are you asking about for yours? Your '63 or '67?

Exactly do you mean by.... "housing not cooperating...."? What housing?

The original query was a '66. Here are some details for 64 to 66...

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...=1966+steering

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Decided to put the bearing housing in a vice and crunch it out! No damage done. End of frustration!

Thanks

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Rich,

I tried to replace the lower column bearing and it goes in very loosely! When I took the old one out, I just removed that and not the bearing housing that actually is part of the column. Bad part or am I missing something here?

Jerry

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

1963? ......

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Ignore the red circle.

The long tube is called the jack shaft. The blur arrow on the right points to the bearing retainer. This is inserted into the jack shaft. The blue arrow on the left points to the bearing. When I replace one, I replace both parts.

Lower Bearing.jpg

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 steering column lower bearing

Yes, the 63