Steering column bearing removal

[Jaeger86]

I know there are dozens of threads about the steering column bearing being the culprit for a clinking sound in the trucks. But my problem is in trying to remove the bearing. The videos I saw (1a auto) says to just print out with a screwdriver. When I did that, the green plastic ring on the outside snapped off. Now I’m stuck with the bearing still inside the column and nothing else. Does anyone have an idea? Thanks

 

[Scottydoggs]

you need to pry around it, not all on one side really, if you grab the shaft and push it up and down, is there play? if its all tight feeling it may not be that part. if it does have play thats not going to be much fun. might want to just pull the column at that point to work on removing it.

removing the column sounds worse then it really is. pretty simple job.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you have broken the entire collar off of it, you can use a large size 90 degree pick and get between the remaining sleeve of the plastic bearing and the steel column and try to break it out, If trying to get the collar out is this bad, imagine how hard the install will be. I watched some videos and did see where it said to use a screwdriver. I saw where you used either a very small hammer and go around the collar and tap it out. You could use a small hammer and a flat punch and tap on each side a little at a time. It looks like when you get it started moving, you can grab it and twist and pull it out. Or.....take the column out.

In the future, please identify the truck.

 

[Jaeger86]

Thank you for the input! I ended up taking the column out. When I took that little piece of plastic out after all that work it made me remember why I love working on vehicles. (Slight sarcasm, lol). Anyways thanks again

 

[OR VietVet]

Thank you for the input! I ended up taking the column out. When I took that little piece of plastic out after all that work it made me remember why I love working on vehicles. (Slight sarcasm, lol). Anyways thanks again

Did you already install the new bearing collar assembly and reinstall the column?

 

[Jaeger86]

No I’m waiting for the new bearing to get here today. By the way, I didn’t mention it but it’s a 2005 Chevy Tahoe LT. I edited my signature line to include that info now, but not sure if it’s showing up.

 

[OR VietVet]

No I’m waiting for the new bearing to get here today. By the way, I didn’t mention it but it’s a 2005 Chevy Tahoe LT. I edited my signature line to include that info now, but not sure if it’s showing up.

Ok, when it gets there you can see inside the collar where the ring of bearings are, and there will not be much grease on the bearings. Carefully snap that ring out and get some silicone grease and lather that ring and bearings with the grease and snap it back in to place, in the collar. Make sure you put the ring back in right side up. You can also put some grease on the shaft.