The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Upper Steering Column Bearing Replacement

I have a 1957 Chevy Truck. The steering column is loose at the steering wheel end. I rebuilt the steering box, but did not replace that upper steering column bearing. I'm not sure how to remove it. I hate to try and remove it, destroy it in the process, and still not be able to remove it. Has anyone found a good way to remove it, or is it one of those things you just have to struggle with?
Thanks,
don

shouldn't be too much struggle - there's a lip on it that sits on the end of the mast jacket - weasel under that with a slot screwdriver or a stiff putty knife and tap it out - doesn't matter if you destroy the old one, the whole unit must be replaced [includes horn wire], see pictures here

Bill

Thanks Bill,appreciate the info. I ordered the part and am hoping for the best.
don

Screw a sheet metal screw into it. then you can put a small slide hammer on it to pull it out.

Great idea Don, thanks!
don

If anyone is interested. This is the easiest bearing replacement I have ever done. The mast bearing assembly doesn't actually completely fit inside the column housing. There is a lip on top that locates the bearing and keeps it in place. All you need to do is take a sharp screwdriver and from the outside just gently tap the edges of the bearing housing lip up and out. It comes right out. Everybody, thanks for the input. thought you might want to know how it turned out.
don