The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Help with 62 Upper Steering Column Bearing

I have a 62 C10 with a "Custom" steering wheel. I believe that the column is completely stock. I have now purchased 3 different upper steering bearings and cannot get any to install properly. When I install the bearing/horn contact in the top of the column and then install the steering wheel, the steering wheel sits too high to allow the nut to start on the shaft. One "option" I'm thinking about is to "press" the inner bearing race down into the column bearing enough to let the steering wheel install. If this is the correct procedure, or if anyone has experience with the 62 steering column upper bearing, your help is greatly appreciated.

Bob

Old vs new pics are above. The difference is the gap between center of cancel cam and bearing - which results in the steering wheel being "too high" on the shaft to allow the nut to engage on top of steering shaft. I'm looking for help finding the correct bearing.

"Custom" as in the steering wheel that came in a custom cab - it is the original steering wheel for the 62. The column has the 62 metal turn signal ring, the solid wire that runs down the column to the lower switch - which is all consistent with the 62 column, so I am pretty sure it is a 62 column with the stock, custom cab wheel. I am wondering if there is a difference in bearings between the standard and custom steering wheels offered in 62?

I am also listening. Pretty sure I will be in my column replacing the bearing soon. I dont have your answer, but I will benefit from what you find out.

Yes - what I am showing is the relationship of the bottom of the steering wheel to the inner race of the bearing. The bearing goes into the column and the flange bottoms on the top of the tube. My problem is that when I do this, and then install the steering wheel, there are no threads on the steering shaft sticking out of the top of the steering wheel for the nut to go on. The old bearing allowed the cancel cam on the steering wheel to sit pretty close to the cam with about 1/2 to 3/4" of steering shaft thread exposed for the nut. The new bearing is keeping the cancel cam (on bottom of steering wheel) further away so that the steering shaft does not stick up beyond the wheel and there are no threads to put the nut on. I'll attach a couple of more pics. Thank you!

I am showing that the cancel cam sits further into old bearing. It rests on the center bearing race which is lower on the old bearing. Danchuk #008 is part number:
Danchuk 1955-1957 Chevy Steering Column Bearing / Bushing Kit w/ Horn Wire, Also 1963 Corvette"

Two different vendors supplied the same part as being suitable for a 62 C10.

Last pics are of bare column - no bearing installed.

Column shift, 3 speed manual.

I think the center bearing race is too high and does not let steering wheel to go down far enough. Looking for the 62 column guru!!

I purchased both from "Chevy Truck" parts vendors. But thanks anyway.

Am I missing something here? What is the number stamped into the original bearing?

The bearing currently in the column is an aftermarket plastic part.

If someone knows the GM part number for a 1962 C10 upper steering bearing, it would be very much appreciated. The truck has the "deluxe" steering wheel and is 3speed column shift.

Thanks!

GM# 5671988 maybe! Google the # and see if it is what you need.

Maybe GM part number 5672508 - what is interesting is that it lists some Chevy passenger cars and Chevy trucks and even Corvette:

bhap - Do you have an update? I almost bought an ebay part, but decided to wait for your insight.

Hey Hambone,

I purchased an NORS bearing off of e-bay after confirming the GM part number for a 62 C10 upper steering bearing. The new bearing is identical to the one that came out of my column except the plastic on the new one isn't all cracked! I'll attach a pic of the part along with the GM part number (on lower right side of box - 5672508). I'll also try to upload the instructions which may confirm that there is a difference in the application depending on what year your column is and whether a passenger car or truck. I have not installed the steering wheel yet, but given that the bearing is identical, I'm pretty confident that this bearing will work. I don't plan on using either the spring, seat or the o-ring since my column did not have them when disassembled. gmpartswiki.com is a great source for parts numbers. Hope this helps.

Bob

Ok. That part number has come up in my search. I will run with that.