Questions About Steering Column....Not the normal tilt questions!!

[90Suburban]

Hey Guys,

I have a 1990 Suburban with the tilt column (no problems with the tilt or slope, PO had that fixed)
I was in the process of digging into my steering column to replace the ignition cylinder and I came across a couple issues.

1) When I was about to take out the ignition cylinder I noticed that the actual steering shaft in the column was loose and wobbly. I was looking at the upper steering shaft bearing race and noticed the ball bearings were coming out. Is the bearing race supposed to be a contained unit or do the ball bearings and race come apart freely? If it supposed to be a contained unit where can I get a replacement?

2) The shifter on the column flops back and forth so I think the spring that keeps tension on it must have broke. How much farther into the column would I need to go to fix that problem?

As always I appreciate any help I can get!!

Best Regards,

James

 

[90Suburban]

Hey Guys,

I have a 1990 Suburban with the tilt column (no problems with the tilt or slope, PO had that fixed)
I was in the process of digging into my steering column to replace the ignition cylinder and I came across a couple issues.

1) When I was about to take out the ignition cylinder I noticed that the actual steering shaft in the column was loose and wobbly. I was looking at the upper steering shaft bearing race and noticed the ball bearings were coming out. Is the bearing race supposed to be a contained unit or do the ball bearings and race come apart freely? If it supposed to be a contained unit where can I get a replacement?

2) The shifter on the column flops back and forth so I think the spring that keeps tension on it must have broke. How much farther into the column would I need to go to fix that problem?

As always I appreciate any help I can get!!

Best Regards,

James

I think these are the bearings I need. http://www.classictruck.com/product..._Steering_Column_Items_Steering_Mast_Bearings

Looks like there are 14 ball bearings and I only have 11. I didnt loose any so that means the PO put it back together missing bearings.

 

[dyeager535]

I can't help with the shifter issue, but I seem to recall that it didn't take much for the bearings to come out, as in they aren't captured.

Any GM column made from about 1973-1995 probably has those bearings. If the column looks the same, it is the same. Just in case you wanted to take a trip to a wrecking yard.

 

[90Suburban]

Well I ordered the new bearing but what I got doesnt look like what I pulled out of the column. Am I missing something? The picture is of the part they sent me, is it the right part?

 

[swettysblazer]

Bump.... was this the right part?

 

[Irish1941]

Check this out...should clear up the mystery.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304613&highlight=Saginaw