Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

[Larry C.]

Another problem may have popped up in addition to the VIN plate problem mentioned in other post. It appears that the top edge of the bearing cup has lost some of the rubber insulation. Afraid that when I tap the bearing cup back in, the brass horn contact ring might be contact with the steering column housing; thereby creating a constant and unwanted electrical contact.

First thought is to put some liquid rubber around the upper edge of the bearing cup to keep it insulated. Any thoughts on this matter will be appreciated.

Larry

[Jim S.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

What year and what type steering column are we talking about? I have never heard of insulating the steering shaft bearing. But I am not an expert on the C1 steering columns. They were Chevrolet designs. Saginaw did not come on the scene until the telescoping columns in 1965 and all Vette columns in 1967.
Jim Shea

[William F.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

I had this problem on my '62 and indeed, the horn shorted and blew continuously ; had to temporarily disconnect wire at horn relay. Fixed by applying "liquid 'lectric tape" around cup where paint had come off; let it dry; then reassembled everything. Problem solved.

[Larry C.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

William,

That sounds like the answer I was looking for. I guess hardware stores or electrical supply houses sell the liquid lectric tape? It's not going to take much but I sure don't want to pound the bearing cup back in only to find that it is not insulated from the column.

Thanks, Larry

[Joe R.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

William,

That sounds like the answer I was looking for. I guess hardware stores or electrical supply houses sell the liquid lectric tape? It's not going to take much but I sure don't want to pound the bearing cup back in only to find that it is not insulated from the column.

Thanks, Larry

Larry,

Yes, you should be able to buy liquid electrical tape at any big box hardware store. I get it at Lowe's or Home Depot in my area.

Joe

[William F.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

To be as exact as possible, think I put the liquid 'lectric tape on the painted (but insulating paint had worn off causing the ground) part that the bearing cup goes into rather than on back side of bearing cup itself. Buy mine at auto or boat supply stores.

[Steven B.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

Liquid 'lectric tape works well. Have also used a piece of inner tube and tire patch. The liquid is easier to use and the patch is thicker as normally applied. Good Luck! Steve

[Larry C.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

Ok, guys,

Got the liquid lectric tape at Home Depot and have put two coats on already around the top side of bearing cup after pushing most of way into the mast pipe. Will give plenty of time to cure B4 pushing in all the way. Should do the trick.

Thanks for responses,

Larry

[Pat H.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

Corvette Central and Paragon sell repro upper bearing with new rubber bonded to the bearing. Since you have it apart, I would just infall a new upper bearing.

[William F.]

Re: Re-installing original upper steering column bearing

I should have taken photos when I was fixing horn shorting problem, but seems back side of bearing cup that rests against the painted part of column was bare brass; no rubber there; if so, a new bearing wouldn't solve the shorting out. The problem was that the paint on the column itself that was acting as insulation had worn off and cup was shorting on the bare metal of the column. I put the liquid 'lectric tape on the painted part of the column to solve the shorting/constant horn blowing.