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M38a1 Cj5 Column Bearing

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mike browne, Oct 8, 2019.

  1. Oct 8, 2019
    mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    minnasota
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    Sep 12, 2018
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    Looking to find out if I'm missing a part for my steering column bearing. I have the bearing cup, ball bearings, top cup, c clip, spring and then the steering wheel. I does not look correct. I think there should be a slotted cone between the top bearing cup and the spring. I have older cars that are set up with this cone under the spring to center the shaft with the bearing. The only parts picture I can find is not clear on this.
     
  2. Oct 9, 2019
    mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    minnasota
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    This is the same as early CJ5. just looks like it needs something to center the shaft under the spring.
     
  3. Oct 10, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    Welcome from Michigan, I can't help you with that question, but someone will have the answer for you, I have never taken earthier of mine apart, except to replace the steering wheel. Good Luck
     
  4. Oct 10, 2019
    mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    minnasota
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    Thank you for the reply. Just do not want to put the new wheel on and have to try and remove it.
     
  5. Oct 10, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  6. Oct 11, 2019
    mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    minnasota
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    I have seen this before. not able to see what the parts are. what is FF, I think GG is the bearing race, HH balls, JJ upper race. Would FF center the shaft?
     
  7. Oct 11, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    FF through LL in PeteL's diagram.
    -Donny
     
  8. Jul 13, 2020
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    Does anyone know how many ball bearings belong in the upper bearing cup close to the steering wheel? I just attempted to take mine apart to clean it and some of them ended up on the garage floor. I count 22. How many am I missing?

    looks like 1 After I cleaned them up and held them in position with grease
    4819C16D-18D5-4E9D-B14D-F6E88AF60501.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
  9. Jul 13, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    truckee4x4 likes this.
  10. Jul 13, 2020
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    Thanks, Although It would be really good for my morale if I could fix one thing without having to replace it.

    Edit: for posterity, if anyone else finds themselves in this predicament McMaster has the correct sized balls, (5/32" or 0.15625") for $4 per 100. I'm still searching under my workbench...and I found one at Ace Hardware for $0.20
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
  11. Dec 22, 2020
    Don X

    Don X The Prodigal Moderator Staff Member 2023 Sponsor

    San Diego,...
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    Resurrecting as an FYI. When I needed those ball bearings I went to a bicycle repair shop. They had exactly what I needed and sold them individually.
     
    Twin2 likes this.
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