steering shaft bearing doesn't go on.

[biil9]

the bearing that goes on the lower portion of the column on an 89 mustang donor will not go back on. I glass beaded it and primed and painted it and now it wont go on. I took it off and sanded the paint off and still nothing. I checked my calendar and April fools day is over. i'm almost positive this bearing is the one I took off seeing as there are no others in my garage. any thoughts? thanks guys

[michael everson]

You may need to keep filing the shaft until it slips on. Make sure the locking ring is not keeping it from going on. Completely remove the locking ring while installing. Looks like your not far from me. I live in Norton, MA I just finished a car for a guy in Cranston.
Mike

[biil9]

thanks mike. I don't have a locking ring on the bearing its just the bearing which is the one that came off the car. as soon as it touches the shaft it stops. I hear what your saying but I cant understand how it came off and doesn't go back on. the only thing that changed was paint and now that's gone. thanks for your help mike. appreciate it. what color is the one you did for the guy in Cranston? i'll keep an eye out for it.

[Ray]

Can you cool the steering shaft and heat the bearing a little? The cold will shrink the shaft and by heating the bearing, you might get enough room to slide it on. Even leaving the bearing in the sun on a warm/hot day might be enough. To cool the shaft, you can turn a can of "canned" air upside down and spray the shaft (might need to have a few cans on hand.)

Good luck

Ray

[michael everson]

It really needs to just slide on. If you press it on you will have problems when you need to adjust it.
The car i built is black with red stripes. if you would like to bring the bearing and shaft over, I will get it on for you

Mike

[biil9]

that sounds good to me. I am a chauffer so Saturdays are out for me. sunday is good for me right now if that works for you. that could change. thank you for your time.

[biil9]

I could do that but the only problem here is is that we cant even get to 60 degrees yet and the customer is hoping to have a rolling chassis in a month. great advise sir. thank you

[michael everson]

Bill. Are you building this car for someone?
Mike