The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks How to change lower bearing in Steering column?

I have a 1966 C30.

How do you change the lower bearing in the Steering column?

It just went making it hard to steer. I am afraid I have to take the whole column out. I was hoping there is an easier way.

Sad, but true, the majority of the steering column assembly, must be removed. The steering wheel, upper bonnet, collar, trim jacket & mast jacket, will need to be pulled from the actual steering shaft, in order to access the lower bearing.

Just a thought, if you remove the entire steering column, it is a good opportunity to check, service, lube and paint the original steering column assembly. It has probably never been apart in its 40+ years of existence and if you do the process completely, you will probably not have to touch it again for another 40+ years. If you bite the bullet and remove the entire thing, it is much easier to do the necessary repairs on the workbench, instead of contorted on the floor, under the dash. Also, the lower bearing slides over the steering column shaft and is part of the lower mast jacket retainer cup, so it must be removed, in order to replace it.

The following thread may prove interesting and valuable:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=399139&highlight=lower+column+bearing

Thanks guys...

Yes it is a good idea to rebuild and paint the entire column while I am at it.

I had two old columns sitting around. So I decided to learn how to take them apart before disabling my truck. I was shocked to see both columns were missing the lower bearings. Both shafts were worn, one worst than the other. I hope my truck's column shaft is in better shape!

Thanks for the link. It will be very valuable to keep!

I ordered the bearing and firewall gasket. I will restore some of the spare parts so I can hopefully replace the bearing in a few hours and be back on the road.

I wonder how many other trucks are driving around out there with this same problem?

cssreb1: the 66 model is probably different but just for information I might add that when I rebuilt a 68 truck column for my panel the bottom bearing I ordered came back as a brass bushing. I used it but since have found out that some places have the actualy bearing and some send a bushing.
You may want to check. I personally would have preferred a bearing.
Just info.... hope it helps in some way or at least you wont' be surprised like I was.

Thanks for the information.

I knew something was up when I saw the difference in price. I bought mine from LMC trucks for around $20. It just came in and it was the bearing.

Classic Parts sells the brass bushing for around $15. At least they state it is the brass bushing in their catalog. LMC does not state it either way so I was just hoping it was the bearing type.

Thanks everyone for your help!!

In case someone reads this thread:

Some tips on installing the new bearing:

1. Do not paint the steering rod before placing the bearing on. The bearing just fits the bear rod. I painted the rod afterwards because I feel funny leaving bear metal. You could also grease the rod instead.

2. You have to get the old bearing off the adjusting ring (The peace that bolts into the steering column cover at the bottom). I just used my table vise to crush the outer limp of the old bearing.

3. You have to snap the new bearing into the adjusting ring. I used my trusty channel lock adjustable pliers.

I also need to point out because maybe I am too new at this... when you go to take the steering column out, take the bolt completely out of the shaft down at the steering box. There is a key way the bolt fits into on the steering box that will prevent it from coming out even it just loose. It was late in the evening, dark and I was tired. I realized this the next morning.

I also wanted to point out that I was very happy to see my shaft was not damaged. I feared this when I saw my two spare shafts when I took them apart for practice.

If I don't write back, it means all went well. I hope this thread helps someone in the future.

..Russ