1967 Barracuda Steering Column Upper and Lower Bearing Replacement

MICHAEL J KLOCK said

Is the bearing noise common? I've never owned a car that had a steering column bearing go before...

Click to expand...

I have 2 examples... Both 2nd gen' B'cudas. several years ago, I found a upper bearing rusted away so bad that most of the lil balls had fell out. More recently, while working on a automatic shifter column... I hadn't noticed a problem with the upper bearing while driving the car but spin the wheel on the workbench and that bearing roared. It was quite crusty also. Danged if I know why. One was in a convertible which could explain it but other was a notchback. Rain blowing in open window?
I'll never understand how some have their issues while others have different issues. Sort of like who gets cancer and who gets a heart attack?
The column does not have to come completely apart or out of the car to replace that upper bearing. If the lower bearing is also bad or if the box coupling shows wear/lost motion, may as well pull the column and do it all.
As for column rebuild... shifter columns are more complicated. Just like anything else, pay attention to how it comes apart. Recognize and highlight the factory markings or make your own markings so it goes back together the same way it came apart. Otherwise the steering wheel could land 180 degrees off ( upside down ).