Steering column bushing question

[vick]

So I'm pulling apart my steering wheel to replace my turn signal/headlight switch. Even though my wheel didn't have any play in it I ordered a Leland bushing to have on hand, figured I'd do it while I was in there. I get things apart though and find this...



So it appears a previous owner already replaced the original with the slotted metal bushing option. Should I remove it and install the Leland? Worthwhile? Any difference? Not even sure how much of a pain it would be to remove, but if I'm going to do it now's the time.

Thanks!

[JacobS911]

I doubt you notice any difference and like you said there was no play before. You can replace it or just sell the extra one on hand. I'm sure someone needs one!

[javadog]

Well, it depends on how shot the bearing is. The stock bearing had a plastic sleeve that contacted the steering shaft. When those failed, lots of people replaced the plastic sleeve with a metal one that was a 928 part. If there is no relative motion between the shaft and the new metal sleeve, all is well. If the shaft rotates in the metal sleeve, it will start to wear the shaft.

I prefer to replace the whole bearing, but that's more work than you probably signed on for.

JR

[Nick Triesch]

Don't fix it if it ain't broke! It looks like the metal bushing from our host. I replaced mine a few years ago. Works perfect. Smooth with no play or noise. Why would the metal one wear out? Should last years.

[sugarwood]

If the wheel works fine, I'd leave it.
If it starts to fail, you can now remove the wheel in under 3 minutes the next time.

[vick]

Thanks for the inputs. I was inclined to leave it alone but tapped on the 928 part with a screwdriver, turns out it slipped out pretty easily. So figured what the hell and swapped in the Leland bushing. Fit is a little tighter but more importantly now there's no metal on metal.


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