early 67 steering column bearings

[Dennis W.]

I have tried searching the archives to find out about bearings for the steering column of early 67's and cannot find much information. When I took the column apart, it appears that the upper bearing is installed in it's own holder. I have seen the upper bearing for sale in several catalogs but none of them say they come in a holder. However, looking at the bearing and holder it appears that the bearing is pressed in and that there is a lip on both top and bottom of the holder to secure the bearing. Can this bearing be removed or do you need to buy the bearing and holder as a unit and if so does anyone know who carries them. Again, the column is an early 67 of the first design and any information or links to information would be appreciated. Thanks, Dennis

[Gary C.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

Dennis

Having recently replaced the bearings in my column I can offer some help.

You did not say if you have a telescopic or standard column, I do not know if the upper end bearings differ significantly. My car has telescopic.

When you refer to the bearing holder are you refering to the pot metal casting that also holds the turn signal switch? If so, then yes the bearing was not designed to be serviced alone. You can remove and replace the bearing my removing (I used a dremel tool) the small lip of the housing material that is holding the bearing in place and then driving the bearing out from the back side. The bearing drives out easily. The new bearing must be secured with epoxy or drill and tap for a few screws. The bearing is available from LICS or corvette steering service. Corvette steering service was the only place I could find the correct lower bearing for my car. Search the archives for excellent previous posts and a very good step by step reference. Sorry I cannot recall the author of said reference to give proper credit, but it is an excellent resource.

Regards

Gary

[Jim S.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the 1967-68 Steering Column Sections
There are two papers on the standard (non-adjustable) 67-68 column
and another set of papers on the telescoping 67-68 column

Hope that they may be of assistance.

Jim Shea

[Nick L.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

Jim's excellent papers will be an invaluable asset as you delve into this. I went through much confusion last year working on my standard early 67 column (S/N 4464). Fortunately, the upper bearing of the column was in serviceable condition and I did not need to replace it. The lower, however, was trashed and it took some time to locate a suitable replacement bearing for it.

[Dennis W.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

Thanks for all the help. I have looked at the papers by Jim and they should help alot. Again, thanks for the help

[Donald O.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

Jim's excellent papers will be an invaluable asset as you delve into this. I went through much confusion last year working on my standard early 67 column (S/N 4464). Fortunately, the upper bearing of the column was in serviceable condition and I did not need to replace it. The lower, however, was trashed and it took some time to locate a suitable replacement bearing for it.

What was your source for the bearing, and do you remember their part number? Did the also carry the upper bearing?

Don

[Nick L.]

Re: early 67 steering column bearings

What was your source for the bearing, and do you remember their part number? Did the also carry the upper bearing?

Don

Don, I purchased from Paragon. From what I understand, this is a 69 column bearing that is OD ground to fit in the 67 column sleeve. I assume they can supply the upper bearing as well.

Here is the the modified bearing, installed in the column, and a photo of the OE bearing (which was trashed)