63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

[Kenneth B.]

Hello, Folks,

I am in the process of rebuilding the steering column on my 63, and I am confused about the new replacement upper bearing assembly.

My old upper bearing assembly parts (bearing + split tube) seem to correspond correctly to the parts listed in the AIM and the service manual.

However, the new parts (see illustration) consist of:
(1) a metal bearing assembly surrounded by a flat rubber o-ring (insulator), with the horn wire soldered (somewhat sloppily) to the horn ring contact surface. The solder blob looks like it might get a little too close for comfort to the mast jacket...but I can probably fix that. Actually, my old bearing assembly seems to be better engineered than this 'new' part ;
(2) A felt washer, which would appear to have to fit over the steering shaft on the underside of the bearing assembly, although I am not sure what is supposed to hold it in place, or what it is for;
(3) A spring and a conical washer that fits into the end of the spring, presumably to keep the bearing seated/centered over the shaft.

I have checked all of my available references (AIM, service manual, all the Corvette parts suppliers catalogs) and I can't quite figure out how these new parts should go on. The AIM and the service manual clearly matches my old setup.

Do these look like the right parts for a 63?
If so, how do all of the parts go together?
Does the washer go between the spring and bearing, or does the washer go between the hub and the spring?
Does the felt washer belong under the bearing?

Thanks in advance for any information.




[/IMG]

[Kenneth B.]

63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Here is the picture that should have been attached to my first message...

[Kenneth B.]

63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Here is the picture that should have been attached to my first message...

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Ken, this is the one I used. I had to order two as I destroyed the first one during assembly. Anyway, as I recall the spring goes at the lower end (engine side of firewall). The one I broke came with the small ring. I had no idea what that was for as it did not match anything in the original assembly.

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Ken, this is the one I used. I had to order two as I destroyed the first one during assembly. Anyway, as I recall the spring goes at the lower end (engine side of firewall). The one I broke came with the small ring. I had no idea what that was for as it did not match anything in the original assembly.

Harry

[Ray C.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Hi! Ken
I must have purchased the same after market kit. When I called the vendor they stated that the kit had more applications than Corvette and to use the parts needed per manual. I used just the spring and split collar.

Prior to using an after market bearing I purchased a NOS from a vendor that I have purchased parts from in the past. The NOS bearing had the correct parts in the package, but I had a great amount of steering wheel play.

There is very little play with the after market bearing.

Ray

[Ray C.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Hi! Ken
I must have purchased the same after market kit. When I called the vendor they stated that the kit had more applications than Corvette and to use the parts needed per manual. I used just the spring and split collar.

Prior to using an after market bearing I purchased a NOS from a vendor that I have purchased parts from in the past. The NOS bearing had the correct parts in the package, but I had a great amount of steering wheel play.

There is very little play with the after market bearing.

Ray

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Hello, Harry,

Thanks for the reply. The bearing you installed (the one in your picture) looks exactly like my old part. Was it a NOS part, or did you get it from one of the Corvette parts suppliers?

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Hello, Harry,

Thanks for the reply. The bearing you installed (the one in your picture) looks exactly like my old part. Was it a NOS part, or did you get it from one of the Corvette parts suppliers?

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Ken, I figured you would ask, so I've been going through my receipts. Best I can tell that upper bearing and wire came from Dr. Rebuild. It was about $22.00.

Do a right mouse click on the picture, save it, then email it to Dr. Rebuild to verify theirs looks the same.

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

Ken, I figured you would ask, so I've been going through my receipts. Best I can tell that upper bearing and wire came from Dr. Rebuild. It was about $22.00.

Do a right mouse click on the picture, save it, then email it to Dr. Rebuild to verify theirs looks the same.

Harry

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

I got a replacement upper bearing from LIC and it was the brown wire unit shown in the original question. I contacted LIC and was told the original part was no longer made and this was the best replacement they had. I returned it and found an nos part on ebay. I believe this part was used on all chevys for several years in the late 50's. You can find them around as nos. I don't know if Doc Rebuild sells a correct replacement. Some of the parts in the kit I got were not required for the Corvette installation.

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

I got a replacement upper bearing from LIC and it was the brown wire unit shown in the original question. I contacted LIC and was told the original part was no longer made and this was the best replacement they had. I returned it and found an nos part on ebay. I believe this part was used on all chevys for several years in the late 50's. You can find them around as nos. I don't know if Doc Rebuild sells a correct replacement. Some of the parts in the kit I got were not required for the Corvette installation.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

One of the questions is; What was the color of the wire on the original. I believe it was green. Thoughts/comments?

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Steering Column Upper Bearing

One of the questions is; What was the color of the wire on the original. I believe it was green. Thoughts/comments?

Harry