67 telescopic column repair

[Mike E.]

[Keith B.]

Re: 67 telescopic column repair

from memory the upper bearing rentier is the same as a standard column. and if so, that is shared with 67-68 Corvair columns too. you can also use 64-66 upper bearing and have to epoxy or stake the bearing race to the aluminum retainer.

[Richard M.]

Re: 67 telescopic column repair

Mike I'll try to assist.....

The bearing was press fit into the upper housing. Then the lip was peened inward to hold the bearing.

Front side
PC240014.jpg

Back side
PC240015.jpg

I'm told only the housing/bearing assembly was available as a replacement from GM in the past. Now you can get the bearing separately.
E.G. Zip SC-539 BTW it's the same for the upper or lower bearing for 65-66 Tele.
sc-539-install-01.jpg

However, to replace just the bearing you will have to remove the "lip" of the housing which captures it. You could use a Dremel to grind it off, or a Mill if available. As a last easy resort, maybe a hacksaw around the perimeter of the lip. Here's a close up of the area you must remove(screwdriver tip).
PC240018.jpg

Edge view...
PC240024.jpg

After removing the lip and pulling the bearing out, clean the housing inside surface and set the bearing in. Now there are 2 ways I know how to capture it(the outer race).

One way is to JB-Weld it to the housing, but it'll be locked in forever.

The other way, IIRC Jim Shea talks about. Drill and tap 3 or 4 holes at 120*/90* spots in the side of the housing. Probably #10-24 would do. Use Allen setscrews(Loctite'd) to just snug the outer race of the bearing in to keep it from rotating.

Rich

[Mike E.]