Lower Steering Column Bearing

[Logs0012]

Any suggestions on how to get the bearing of the steering rod (not sure what to call it). I've got the bearing kit from BJs but can't figure to how to get the metal portion off.

[sonoraed]

tilt or non tilt entire column has to come out,not fun,lines up steering shaft/wheel and mark so it goes back in straight,on the outside disconnect shift rod and coupler at base of column,under dash bolts that hold column to dash,at base of column inside vehicle unbolt plate at the firewall,disconnect wires at ignition switch and turn signal and remove column,might be easier to remove steering wheel before you start,then remove C clip at base of column and pull plastic bearing cup and replace bearing,reverse to install
Might be able to do it by leaving column in vehicle and pulling shaft from lower column to rag joint but for me really hard to get to get to the bearing this way,if you do pull the column this is a good time to grease or replace upper bearing and if a tilt-tighten bolts at tilt,replace turn signal switch, etc. its a GM column lots of stuff on U-TUBE and Google if you do a search.Good Luck

[Logs0012]

I'm talking about removing the actual bearing. I have the rod sitting on my bench but didn't know how to get the bearing off.

[WHSII]

Are you talking of the bottom bearing of the steering column? If so, there is a clip ring that holds the metal shield on, once removed, the bearing should slide out.

If not take a picture and let us know.

[Logs0012]

That's the one! But my metal bearing is seized on there.

[WHSII]

Logs,

I imagine you are talking of your 70 J truck.

I do not know if there is a difference with the later years that I am familiar with.

I would check "Old Tom's Jeeps" to see if there was a 70's TSM available first.

The shaft should be a solid shaft, if yours had a collapsible shaft, it should be after the steering column between it and the steering sector.

I would pull it, which is not a big deal, remove all the upper, under the steering wheel, parts for turn signal and horn, and hit the bottom shaft with a brass hammer, after removing the shield and clip ring. The bearing as I recall, is a plastic race with ball bearings. The inner race must be stuck, rusted to the shaft.

I have a straight column here, if you want to come to Frankfort, I can show you how the later columns come apart.

Hope this helps...