42 replies to this topic

[gtrboyy]

I went to Rare Spares to get some bearings for my steering column only to be told that they have only the top one & that the bottom ones aren't available & don't know anywhere else to try.
Does anyone know if or where I can get new bearings for a lc steering column?

[Bart]

Maybe you can use a spherical bearing instead, dont use a ball bearing because the shaft goes down through the column tube on a slight angle.

[gtrboyy]

Anyone know if it is meant to be a bearing or just a plastic bush?

[Bart]

Anyone know if it is meant to be a bearing or just a plastic bush?

Its a dodgy plastic bush, mine was worn out and the steering was slopy so i replaced it with a steel bearing

[gtrboyy]

Would you happen to have pics or part number for the bearing & what did you do to keep the bearing in as it looks like a strange set-up.

ATM the column & getting the rack recoed is what is holding me back from putting the car back together.

[Bart]

No worries mate
I had to machine up an aluminium bearing holder as the bearing was a fraction too small, this is a solid ball bearing and so it dosnt sit straight in the clomn tube but fits in quater way.
To hold it in the column tube i used aluminium flat bar approx 6" log and a hole is drilled in one end of it and is bolted on the same bolt wih holds the column tube to the fire wall. The other end of the flat bar is fork shaped and sits on the bearing which holds it in when the bolt (in the other end previously mentioned) is tightened.
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Edited by Bart, 21 July 2006 - 09:52 PM.

[Bart]

Alternatively as i said before use a spherical bearing so it will fit right in without ant angle issues preventing it from sliding into the column tube, drill 3 holes into the side of the column tube, thread them and screw in some screws to hold the bearing in. Add lock tight in the screws.

[gtrboyy]

I pulled mine apart & then put it back together,it's alot better than it was before,bottom bush is a little worn & it needs more washers to go under circlip at top of column to stop movement.

If I can get another lc column I will do what Bart has done so that I have something to replace the NLA bush,especially on a v8 conversion.

Bit of a nuisance pulling a column apart on your own & putting back together,very weird set up.

[arrimar]

wouldnt straightening out the bent area of the column have been easier than machining and putting the bearing in crooked?

[Bart]

the machining of the bearing holder part was done because i couldnt find the exact size bearing.
Bending the bottom of the column i suppose is another alternative i guess. Shouldnt be too hard as its mild steel

[gtrboyy]

Steering rack had broken fibre washer so I fitted a metal flat washer,seems to have fixed that problem.

Put column back to together,bottom bush didn't like extra load of turning 18 by 8 rims & isn't good enough as it has too much wear so I'm going to have to put a bearing in.

Do you have a part number for a bearing place down this way?
Do you think it will work if I just have the bearing sitting on top of the bush inside the tube?

[Bart]

The bearing place is Linear Bearings, they have sherical rod ends and bearings etc.
What you can do is measure the shaft and column tube and see if they can match it.
If its the same case as mine i can machine up a bearing holder like mine for you.
I got some 6061 aluminium i could use i think, ill have to check.
Linear Bearings, Unit 19, 14 Sheridan Close Milperra Sydney, 97927188
Its hard to say if it will fit on top of the bushing, i wouldnt bother personally, i would just start from scratch by doing the above. Unless you find an original bush.
Come to think of it it may be that my steering column is a little off centre which is why the bearing didnt fit straight on, but get a spherical bearing anyway just in case all the columns are like that, besides a spherical bearing is whats used in hot rods etc so its ok to use.

Edited by Bart, 26 July 2006 - 09:32 PM.

[gtrboyy]

Thanks Bart I'll give them a visit early next week when I'm not working & get back to you.

[Bart]

No worries
Just one question, did you cut the column shorter, so the end of the column is closer to the fire wall? This is a mod i think is done when you do a V8 conversion.

[Bart]

I had a look at the amount of aluminium material i have and it should be enough providing the sphercal bearing you get is the same size as my ball bearing.
How did you go with Linear Bearings by the way?

[gtrboyy]

Just done two 8am-8pm shifts,hopefully I'll get there tommorrow after I take the column back out.

On mine I cut the shaft on the rack,put the lh knuckles.Moved the column over but I did bend the plate at the bottom of the column to move it forward a little.

I had a look at an lj column,looks different to my lc one,not sure why though.

[Bart]

oops, i was assuming it was the same as an LJ.
Hmmm do you have pics of it?

[gtrboyy]

On mine all you can see is the two tubes.Outer tube & the the inner one that has the shaft which is supported by the bush.

I dont know if there is meant to be another bush or cover there,also the lj one I saw looked like it had a longer shaft & stuck out more.

They are either different or something isn't right on my column,the only thing for certain is that the bottom bush is stuffed lol.

[dattoman]

I sold a guy a bearing for a UC today........ sat in a plastic housing of some description
I can get the part # for you if you like
They are still available from Holden under the genuine #
I think it was $71 from memory
Not sure if they are same as LH-LX though

[Dangerous]

LJ, LH, LX, UC are the same steering column setup, as far as bearings go. LC is the same as HK series, but different to LJ onwards series.

[gtrboyy]

Bart: Linear didn't have spherical spinning type bearing,got sent to CBC (Chipping Norton) only to find out they are no longer there,ended making a trip to a bearing place on Woodville Rd.Granville to get one $33 3 1/2 tonne load capacity,looks like it might press in hopefully.

I'll give it a go tommorrow after work or maybe Sunday.

Dangerous:I knew about the differences such as different splines,steering wheel,blinker assembly & ign lock.
I was just hoping I could have the same mod done to the base of the column like Bart has done since I can't get the bush.

[Bart]

Didnt have a rotating one? Geez ok im a little surprised oh well, hopfully the bearing you purchased works out.
Let me know how it goes

[dattoman]

The one I supplied is genuine # 7805700
Go check one of those out