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Hey,
I'm doing the tilt steering fix, and I need to replace the bearings in the column. When I bought the car he said it needed new ones but I didn't think it was that bad.

So, here I am trying to remove the old bearings, and I really don't know how to get the outer "ring" of the old ones out. Is there some type of tool?
Thanks.

ZTAuto

Hi, what have yiou done so far? Are you at the bearings now, or do you need to pull the tilt unit loose? I'll help if you let me know where to start. Thanks, DarrenCat 3G-82Z

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I've tightened the bolts on the tilt column (I hope its tight enough, all the bolts are busted up.. I dunno why.. they didn't like the 12point 1/4 socket but they are ALMOST at 180inch pounds with a healthy dose of thred lock) and now i have to replace the bearings, I already bought the new bearings from GM, only thing is the outer "ring" is still pressed into the lower bowl and I have no clue on how to get them out.

Thanks.

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Anyone? I REALLY want to get this out of the way. In fact, I need too, lol.

ZTAuto

Sorry, guy I got called away!! If you've already gotten the tilt unit loose and pulled away from the center shaft assembly, then all you need to do is pry it out. It's a plastic cage that can be easily manipulated with a small blade screwdriver or similar tool. Before you do, put some grease on the bearings or you'll have them all over your floor when it comes out!
It's a one-sided cage, so it will only go back in on the one side. Look at the old one before you pull it to verify which side will work. Then pop out the old one and reinsert the new one til it sort of snaps in place and turns freely in the race. It won't feel right until it is properly installed, so you might have to play with it a little, but you'll get it right eventually.
The front one is pretty much the same, the most important thing is to apply plenty of grease to them before you put it back together. The lack of grease creates play and wears them out quicker. Hit me if you have any more trouble and I'll try to help. DarrenCat 3G-82Z

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Oh, no problem. Thanks.

See, when i took off the upper bowl and then moved the lower bowl they all just fell out by themselves. So the outter part(sorry, I can't remember the proper name right now) of the bearing is still in it. So all I have to do is just keep prying and pushing on it with a flat head? Sounds like fun..

Thanks.

ZTAuto

Man, I went to bed early, so I missed your email. Old age, I guess! Anyway, yes they just pop out of the metal part of the column and they're flexible, especially with no bearings in them, so you should be able to remove them easily. Let me know if you got the new ones seated, and if it went back together okay? Thanks, DarrenCat

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Hey! I got them out thanks to the advance, just took a few good smacks and a good aim. Thanks a lot. I have everything all back together and it works good for what I can tell. Now all i have to do is get the highbeams off (And still functional) and the turn signals working. lol.

Thanks.