B-Body Steering column with Lower Steering Column Bearing ?

[Icke]

Hello, does the B-body steering column have a lower bearing? Mine doesn't have one, and I haven't found any information about it online. I've installed the Borgeson steering box, and the angle from the shaft to the gearbox looks odd. The steering column, and therefore the shaft, are positioned via the column bracket, so you can't install it incorrectly. I don't understand this at all.

 

[Darrah]

The column to box angle seems to vary from car-to-car, presumably because of the inconsistent placement of the K-member bracket. I just installed that box, and my angle isn't as severe as yours, but others have a similar alignment.

As far as the shaft not being centered in the column tube, you can loosen the three firewall bolts and center it up. I did that to center it up at first but later went back and installed a cartridge bearing. That forces it to be centered, but more importantly, prevented the blast of hot air coming up my column tube and making the drive uncomfortable.

 

[Icke]

The column to box angle seems to vary from car-to-car, presumably because of the inconsistent placement of the K-member bracket. I just installed that box, and my angle isn't as severe as yours, but others have a similar alignment.

As far as the shaft not being centered in the column tube, you can loosen the three firewall bolts and center it up. I did that to center it up at first but later went back and installed a cartridge bearing. That forces it to be centered, but more importantly, prevented the blast of hot air coming up my column tube and making the drive uncomfortable.

Okay, if I center it with a cartridge bearing, the angle to the steering gear will be even more unfavorable.
Using the three screws on the firewall is an option; I'll give that a try.

 

[AR67GTX]

What year car? My 66 does not have a lower bearing but does have a lower closure and possibly the 64/65 didn’t also. I believe in 67 they started having a lower bearing.

 

[gtx6970]

AFAIK< 1967 was the 1st year for an actual bearing there

prior to that was just a flap type seal

2266738 SEAL STEERING COLUMN 62-66 A/B​

 

[Icke]

What year car? My 66 does not have a lower bearing but does have a lower closure and possibly the 64/65 didn’t also. I believe in 67 they started having a lower bearing.

Ist’s a 72‘ Plymouth Satellite

 

[1 Wild R/T]

71 & up don't use a bearing, the plate can be centered by loosening the three bolts...
I machined a tool that makes centering easy...

 

[71Beeper]

I found this bearing worked perfectly on the steering shaft on my 71 Runner. I bought it from Amazon.

Just remove and discard the snap ring, it's not needed.
Then add the rubber seal that gtx6970 posted above.

You can see the seal in this photo.

 

[Icke]

I found this bearing worked perfectly on the steering shaft on my 71 Runner. I bought it from Amazon.
View attachment 1852374
Just remove and discard the snap ring, it's not needed.
Then add the rubber seal that gtx6970 posted above.

You can see the seal in this photo.

I also ordered the bearing, but it is for a 3/4" shaft. In my case, the shaft has 1" at the point where the bearing should be.

 

[hunt2elk]

I also ordered the bearing, but it is for a 3/4" shaft. In my case, the shaft has 1" at the point where the bearing should be.

SER205-16, SER205-16, ER-16 1" Bore Insert Bearing with Snap Ring 1" x 52mm | eBay
Here is one that I saved from several years ago, it has a 1" id. I have never used it personnally, but other B-body guys claims it works fine.

 

[Darrah]

SER205-16, SER205-16, ER-16 1" Bore Insert Bearing with Snap Ring 1" x 52mm | eBay
Here is one that I saved from several years ago, it has a 1" id. I have never used it personnally, but other B-body guys claims it works fine.

SER205 is the one I just installed. Amazon SER205 1" ID, 52mm OD.