[KTL]

Sean,

You can buy another bearing and tap it in on top of the old bearing!!! I don't think want to pay to have the steering column removed. It's a pretty big job because of all the surrounding things you need to remove in order to just get the column out of the car. I've done this job and it's not fun. Lots of potential for your car to get boogered up by someone who's impatient.

I'm not sure how the shaft would wear unless the plastic sleeve was completely gone and causing the shaft to contact the bearing metal surface. Those u-joints aren't going to be cheap either ($120 over here). Most of the time you can put a few drips of oil on the joint pivots and they'll move like new again. If I were to do it again, i'd do the new bearing on top of the old bearing method. Just my two cents...............

As long as you're overhauling the whole steering assy., why not tackle the steering rack as well? A good repacking of the rack grease should make a big difference in the feel of the steering system. Much smoother operation. New tie rods sure would help (if they're needed) as well.


Good luck.