[DAVIDM]

I first tried the new bearing pushing the old bearing down the shaft. The new bearing with the new plastic ring lasted a very short time. I think it would have lasted longer if I had taken the column out and got it absolutely properly positioned. I'm not sure if just pushing it in gets the new bearing properly seated

However, still desiring to avoid the column removal job, I found another solution from one of Wayne's competitors. (Automotion, the most expensive P-Parts source) It is a hard plastic sleeve that pushes the old bearing down the shaft. This lasted two years and 30,000 miles.
I am soon to order another of these.

If you don't have a long socket, a piece of PVC pipe works wonderfully well. The part came with instructions on the size of PVC pipe to use.
David