Steering column steering shaft

[az-k5]

I found my steering shaft moves around and is completely loose, as it enters the column on the engine side. I have read/heard there is a bearing/race in there. How hard is this to replace. I would like to avoid replacing the column if posssible. It is just a simple no tilt auto column. I searched and found a part number in this thread. Is this the part I need? Should I just find a used column to swap?

BTW I am trying to avoid chaning columns if at all possible. Nothing speacial about this one I am just lazy about some things.

 

[tRustyK5]

Why not swap in a U-joint shaft? I found one out of a Jeep Cherokee that is really close to the right length. I plan on swapping it sometime soon. There is a member here that sells them for $75 or so too...BOWTIE I think.

Rene

 

[mosesburb]

If it is just the lower column bearing, they are not hard to do. In your vintage, there should be a wire-type retainer ring around the O.D. of the column, then a little metal cap, then work the bearing down and off the shaft. Retainers vary, but take a look at what you have, it's pretty self-explanatory.

 

[az-k5]

Thanx nick, that is how mine looks to be. I will probably just do the bearing then.

Rene, what kinda jeep did you find the shaft in?