67 Steering Column - Help
It is one of the many threads I read through, copied links and info, I even posted in that exact thread before.
I'm not sure you need to replace that shaft. The bottom bearing does not need to be that "precision". In fact I'm not sure why you need them
As noted by another member in that same thread, and others: because the slipper joint between the steering box and the column is a misalignment joint and not a support bearing.
Another added: Keep in mind that the bearing doesn't really need to be all that tight on the steering shaft. All it's doing is keeping the steering shaft from flopping around in the column jacket, so there just has to be more resistance between the bearing and shaft than there is in the bearing itself.
I would agree with both statements, and add the upper bearing is tight on the shaft, however there is a rubber ring between the bearing and the column.
That's a long way to go with little support, especially with manual steering.
I would agree that the bottom bearing doesn't need to be precise, as in held firm, as neither top or bottom are, one in rubber, the other in plastic.
In my case, the bottom of the shaft is not only worn, but worn unevenly. If I got a bearing with a smaller I.D. for the bottom, the shaft would be off center of the column tube, and I imagine that would not be a good idea.
I also believe a wasted lower bearing was responsible for the large amount of slop in the steering.
