The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 57 3100 steering column upper bearing

I installed a new upper bearing, but it has a lot of play in it. Wonder if the new repo bearings are junk. The steering shaft is not the cause. It's the bearing. Just curious if this is normal with a new bearing.

not 'normal', if the shaft doesn't seem worn from a seized bearing wearing on it, and the bearing fits snug in the tube, it's a defective or out of spec item - I haven't found that with the 2 repros I've installed, but it's been awhile and the parts may be poorer quality now, might want to consult the supplier about it

Bill

Don't recall there being alot of play when I installed one on mine. It seem a little flimsy but its not like its a wheel bearing or such. Who was your supplier?

Where is the play, the ID (inner race)of the bearing or the OD (outer race)? You must determine the play as between the shaft and the ID of bearing or the tube and the OD of the bearing or "balls loose" or what? Then you can determine whether it's the brg or the column. Maybe you got a AD brg. Need to "mic" the shaft, the Id of brg, the OD of brg and ID of tube. Then compare. Did it "press on" or slip on or fall on. See if the bearing acts normal when removed. I.E. Is ID tight to OD? There will be some axial play and some radial play. Not second guessing your abilities just going over what I can think of to help. You need to measure the parts, don't assume your column is good or the bearing is good or the seat is good, etc. Measure all, re-think, read manual and redo. Be sure you don't have an AD or a V8 era bearing that was shipped by mistake. Maybe they are the same don't know. I doubt very much if the bearing is built wrong for it's intended application. Did you get a lower bearing instead? Remember, I'm just touching all bases. That's how I troubleshoot things, so don't get offended by seemingly obvious suggestions. The installation of this bearing is shown in my manual. It is pressed on until flange of outer race seats on inside step of tube. I think the spring and seat load the bearing inner race. Maybe Bill will go over this assy sequence to be sure you have it. I have taken things apart and kept track of their sequence only to find out the guy before me had it wrong. Sometimes that's hard to catch. I believe if the lower bearing is worn it may allow a column to pivot on the top bearing and seem as though it's the top bearing? Good luck, let us know please!

yousa, youza don'ta answera, whatsa matta?