Steering Needle Bearing -- Nadella DeltaFlex

[piscator]

How do I install or replace this bearing?

In my archive search for info on rebuilding my steering rack, I came upon a suggestion to replace the 'Nadella Deltaflex' rubber bearing pictured below. The archive post recommended changing the needle bearing inside the rubber housing. At the time, I hadn't disassembled the steering, but I ordered a Koyo HK1712 bearing which looks like the right one.

Now I've got it apart, but don't know how to proceed. I don't see how I can dig the old bearing out of the rubber bushing/coupler without damaging it. There seem to be three options.

1. Reinstall the old bearing, which appears undamaged and turns smoothly.

2. Try and source the entire rubber/bearing combination, which is marked Nadella Deltaflex DG23. I couldn't find the specific bearing in my first searches, but Nadella is still in business.

3. Start digging and hacking at the rubber coupling and then find a way to jam the new Koyo bearing into place.

If anyone has faced this or has a suggestion, I'd appreciate the advice!!

[Ok here we go]

This thread should shed some light on how to attempt to replace the bearing. Check the last page.

Steering Shaft Bearing

This link shows the complete rebuild with some attention to the needle bearing

SC Steering Rack DIY Bearing Replace

It's recommended to buy two 17x23x3 oil seals from Metric Seals. If you don't have the fiber seals or if they are beyond re-using, buy 4 oil seals and stack two and two as the length of the rubber piece should accommodate the 12mm bearing and the additional 12mm of seals (24mm combined).

I'm going to tackle this job soon so good luck to you and let us all know how it turns out!

[piscator]

Ok, thanks, I lost track of that first link and appreciate your referencing it. The second link is the one I use to rebuild my steering gear. That went quite well and the gear is ready for re-installation.

The first link is the one I used to order bearings and seals, months ago. Before I'd even taken the steering apart. Re-reading that thread, has me wondering if there are different versions of the steering shaft bearing. Inside the rubber housing that came out of my car, I don't see felt bushings or any kind of seals. And there's certainly no room to stack more than one needle bearing, in there.

Before I say much more, I think I'd better study the system more thoroughly. I'll revisit it tomorrow and see what I can discover.

for the links! The first

hanks O.K.