What is a suitable upper column bearing replacement?

I replaced this bearing not too long ago and there is still a fair amount of slop. I am not happy with the setup at all. I have a stock tube and shaft down to the steering box, then it goes to a Saginaw box. I don't mind the steering column at all but that bearing ain't working:evil: . Aside from swapping out the column, is there a good replacement for this upper column bearing?

Thanks.

 

Is there a bearing supply house there in town? Might take the column/shaft assy. in there and explain the problem, they might be able to match it up with something. Allied Bearing Supply in my old hometown could find me dang near anything.

 

I used a greaseable bronze bushing,I think it came from somewhere in the org. steering system??? ('57???) I put two saftey wired bolts (point drilled into the bushing and braised nuts to the column) and one grease fiting to locate it. The O.D. fit the org. jeep column and the I.D. was the same as the shaft. It has worked flawlessly for 35 years! Is that good enough???

Dale

 

Anyone have the dimensions, a good part # or link for replacing this upper bearing. I just received the Omix $3.99 bearing from Quadratec, not thrilled about putting this thing in my column. (It will be better than what I have).

OMIX 18030.02 Steering Column Bearing for 41-71 Willys & Jeep CJ Models

 

Well, there's your problem.

 

Find a bearing supply. Big name around here is Purvis bearing. Take the old bearing to them and have them mic it out and dig up a quality replacement.

 

I’d really have to take It all apart and take the column and the shaft. I put in the Omix bearing for now. Next time it’s worn (will not take long)I’ll try to get a real bearing.

 

Looks like Debella's has NOS ones...
Willys Civilian Jeep CJ3B CJ5 - Steering - Peter DeBella Jeep Parts www.debellajeepparts.com

 

Next time after market tilt steering column

 

Did you try McMaster Carr?

 

Gee, the top of my steering column has a PVC sprinkler pipe adapter bushing the PO put in. I've been running it for over 20 years.

 

Now there’s the Mod I needed to do. 20 year bushing.

 

You say you have a Saginaw conversion in the first post. Is the shaft pulled down tight enough to put proper tension on the upper bearing? If not that would explain the upper bearing issue

 

I revived this old thread but wasn’t original poster. I do have power steering swap as well. Just this week got a spring in the shaft.

 

That helps significantly.