Steering Column Bearing Removal-Am I on the Right Track?

Paulporsche · 11:00 AM

I'm trying to remove the existing bearing, which I think may be a replacement 928 style one, prior to installing Mitch Leland's bushing. I have been trying to chisel out the outer ring in order to get something to grab so I can pull it out. You can see the depression I have made at the top center above the knurled shaft.

I don't know how thick this outer portion is so I'm not sure if I'm really doing anything productive here. Would I have better luck with drilling out some of the outer ring? Would that let me get in there so I can get hold of that part, remove it and then get to the inner portion?

Thanks.

Harpo · Harpo's Garage

Very good question. I'm in the same boat as you.

Paulporsche · 07-21-2019, 11:28 AM

I'm going to try drilling out that outer ring (race?)

john walker's workshop · 07-21-2019, 11:59 AM

I mentioned in your other post that to replace the bearing, the whole column housing needs to come out. It doesn't come out through the top, unfortunately. Certainly could have been designed better.

Paulporsche · 07-21-2019, 12:21 PM

Thanks John.

Am I right in thinking that this bearing must come out before I can install the new bushing?

Have you or anyone else done a thread on column removal?

john walker's workshop · 07-21-2019, 01:10 PM

The center bushing, the metal 928 one, just taps in from the outside, in place of the original plastic one that is usually gone or in pieces. The actual bearing itself is usually fine.

Paulporsche · 04:48 PM

Got it.

John, I figured that out while I was trying to destroy the bearing!

I straightened and replaced the beat up outer race cover, to protect the balls. I pushed in the thin metal bushing, cleaned and examined the shaft (as well as I could-looks fine) and pushed on Mitch's bushing which fit right into place. I used the long 27mm socket to push the bushing in. Star washer relegated to the parts bin and circlip back on before replacing the wheel with the washer and nut.

Harpo,

My error was in thinking that I had to replace the entire bearing since I didn't have the plastic factory insert, not realizing that the 928 "fix" was just a metal sleeve. You may have the same situation. BTW my inner metal sleeve didn't seem to have any type of collar on the top. It seemed to be the same thickness throughout. Maybe it wasn't a 928 sleeve, but one from another aftermarket supplier. As I mentioned in my other thread, the replacement was done more than 20 years ago, maybe even more than 25.