I have another problem, this time with my steering column. My car is a 67 Firebird with 4 speed Muncie M21 original to the car and non tilt steering column. My lower column bearing is bad so I removed the column and bought the part below.
The new lower bearing is not the same as the original one and is to thick or tall. When I install the new bearing onto the lower end of the column tube (end inside the engine bay) and then slide the steering shaft through it and up through the steering tube, then slide the upper bearing retainer over it I can't get the "C" clip and spring washer and regular washer on because the grove in the column shaft won't come through to the top of the top bearing since the lower bearing is thicker than the original. There is a black nylon nut on the lower end of the column and I have it backed off as far as it will go. This nylon nut goes on the steering shaft before the bearing and is threaded to take up any slack.
Has anyone ever installed this part or have any suggestions? This is one of the things I find so frustrating about this hobby is that many after market suppliers don't test their parts enough to ensure correct fit and function.
Hi, I rebuilt mine with a new lower bearing and found this link off a camaro site very helpful. The new bearing I fitted was a good fit and was held in place with a spring clip like the original.
