Top bearing on steering column play

[blaze_away]

I have a little lateral play in the top bearing just below the steering wheel.

Looks a pig to get at if at all possible.

Anyone know what the fix is for it, hope its not 'new column' as I dont think they are available

[Steve_D]

Bad news I'm afraid.
Had the same issue with mine so being an engineer I decided to strip it and fit new bearings as I quickly found that the play was because the plastic bearing cage had broken up and the balls were slowly dropping out.
After much effort I concluded that it was not possible to do as the bearings were held in 'peened over' housings so even I I could identify the bearings changing them was a non starter.
Found another column on ebay and just swapped over the modified bottom end of the column.

Steve

[blaze_away]

Steve_D said:

Bad news I'm afraid.
Had the same issue with mine so being an engineer I decided to strip it and fit new bearings as I quickly found that the play was because the plastic bearing cage had broken up and the balls were slowly dropping out.
After much effort I concluded that it was not possible to do as the bearings were held in 'peened over' housings so even I I could identify the bearings changing them was a non starter.
Found another column on ebay and just swapped over the modified bottom end of the column.

Steve

Thanks Steve....do you remember what column you bought ?

[Classic Chim]

Vauxhall Astra Mk4 I think Frank.
Could do without this one

[blaze_away]

I believe that its a "modified" version with the bottom part being modified in some way.

If I buy a standard Vauxhall unit is it then just a case of taking the bottom off mine and joining that to the top of the new one ?

[carsy]

I thought they were Cavalier.

[Hedgehopper]

Perhaps this company could help...........

http://www.genuinepartsearch.co.uk/

[Hedgehopper]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Was this company of any use ?...always nice to know.

[blaze_away]

Thanks for the link to them. I think they may partially help , I think.....I was able to by one of the internal parts, not clear whether its the bit thats needed yet, just waiting for a part to arrive. 13x on diagram.

[Steve_D]

I'm not convinced your 13x is going to include the bearings. Having said that all you are likely to need is the ball bearings in their plastic cages.
To replace them part 11 has to be removed from part 3 and the tilt housing. To get it out you will need to remove the steel pivot pins (which are shown far left on that diagram and marked 13x) they are held into the tilt housing by the housing being peened over. I used a Dremel with a carbide burr to remove the peen. The pins have a screw thread in the end so you can insert a screw to use as a puller.

Steve

[blaze_away]

I agree Steve. But of all the bits on the diagram they were the only thing available and at £10 I thought OK I will have those jusy on case.

Couldnt see which part was the "bearing" except maybe the bit below 13x that is unlabelled. Hence waiting to see what arrives.

[lancepar]

Some photos if it will help.






Don't ask why it has Chim written on it, I don't know but it's what came off my '95 Chim and now waiting to be refitted.

[schmokin1]

Blaze - any update on this thread? I have found a bit of movement in my column (ooh err!) and am researching in case I need to fix it for MOT...

[blaze_away]

Issue still not resolved.