'70 steering column bearings

[nrramse]

I have the OEM steering column on my '70, with upper and lower bearings like this:

In New Mexico, with all the dirt, these unsealed bearings get jammed up faster than I'd like.

I noticed (at Wild Horses) that '74 Broncos came with sealed bearings -

.

Will these bearings fit in my older column?

Any other ideas to fix my problem? I'd prefer to keep my original column.

Thanks, Newell

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey Newell. Interesting idea.
It's a good one, but unfortunately I think the answer is no, it won't work.

I don't know why that is though, and I'd like to see that idea work out for you, so maybe if you get the chance tomorrow, call in to WH and ask one of the guys. They'll probably have to defer to Jim on that one, since he's the one most familiar with the inner workings of the different steering columns. But if he's around, they can get a straight answer out of him usually.

Might be worth a quick call if nobody here is able to answer the question any better than I could.

Good luck. Hope it works.

If it comes down to it though, those older bearings actually did seem to last a long time under most normal conditions. I know you said yours get jammed up, but maybe, if you can't fit the sealed one for whatever reason, simply build a little boot for the bottom of the column?
Seems like that could do the trick. You just have to get creative with some rubber.
Might be just the place for one of them old Hot Pink shock boots been buried in the garage since the late eighties! ;D
Couple of slots for the levers and such, and away you go. Then again, there's always duct-tape...

Paul

 

[ET]

There's should be a bearing retainer washer that closes up the lower column. It's held in by the shaft clamp. I'll see if I can find that.

edit: here you go. http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Column_Felt_Washer/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

Eugene

 

[klake575]

i just tore my 73' column apart and it had the 74' bearing in the bottom and the older one in the top. i don't know if the PO did something to make it fit, but it will fit with the rubber cover as well. i did not have the retainer though.

 

[nrramse]

There's should be a bearing retainer washer that closes up the lower column. It's held in by the shaft clamp. I'll see if I can find that.

edit: here you go. http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Column_Felt_Washer/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

Eugene

Good catch! I have that washer, but there's no felt on it! I bet I can fab something that will work.

The other gripe I have about these open bearings is the grease tends to dry out. The current bearings are about 5 years old but the upper one had solidified white grease in it. I flushed it out and packed some engine assembly lube in there, but I'd still rather have a sealed bearing.

 

[nrramse]

i just tore my 73' column apart and it had the 74' bearing in the bottom and the older one in the top. i don't know if the PO did something to make it fit, but it will fit with the rubber cover as well. i did not have the retainer though.

Interesting. Do you happen to have any pics?

 

[Banjer Picker]

Hey Nnamsey. Any chance u cud post pics of the lower end of the shaft? I have a 73 as well. Installed the 66-73 lower bearing but it just does quite seem like its right. Is the 74 bearing smaller on outside diameter ? Thanks!!!

 

[DirtDonk]

Banjer, do you have all the components present? There would be the outer race and bearing:
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Up_or_Low_column_Bearing_6673yr/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts
The inner race or "sleeve" (kind of an orangy fiber-looking thingy):
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Bearing_sleeve_6673yr/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts
The felt washer (mine didn't have any felt on it either):
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Column_Felt_Washer/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts
And the actual clap/sleeve thingy that holds it all together and pretty much tensions the whole shaft assembly so the steering wheel doesn't push in and out every time you lay your hands on it:
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Steering_Shaft_Clamp/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

If you've got all that (especially the inner sleeve and clamp), and it's all pushed up semi-tight, then yours should pretty much feel like a good solid original steering column.
The last time I did one, it helped a lot to have a helper sitting in the seat and gently pushing down on the steering wheel while I pushed up on the retaining collar and tightened the bolt.
It doesn't have to be super-tight against the bearings, but the less slop the better up to that point.

Good luck.

Paul
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Steering_Shaft_Clamp/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

 

[nrramse]

Hey Nnamsey. Any chance u cud post pics of the lower end of the shaft? I have a 73 as well. Installed the 66-73 lower bearing but it just does quite seem like its right. Is the 74 bearing smaller on outside diameter ? Thanks!!!

I still need to install a felt washer in the end, and will take a couple of pictures when I do - hopefully before the week is out. I found a diagram at Bronco Graveyard that might help - see below. Its interesting that the same diagram shows two different ways to have a lower column bearing!

Paul (one of my favorite posters, by the way) is right about getting a buddy to hold the steering wheel down while tightening the lower retainer. I've also used a nylon cinch strap (attached to the brake pedal)

Newell