#1  
Old 01-15-2021, 09:45 AM
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Default Tilt Column Lower Bearing/Bushing Replacement

So on the judge project, I purchased a rebuilt tilt column from a source that gets them from a reman/builder who specializes in columns. Looks nice, obviously was completely gone thru. Installed it, along with Flaming River U-joints, and a solid Flaming River shaft.

Fast-forward to @ 1000 miles of drive time, and notice a little slop/looseness in the steering. Further inspection points to the lower bushing/bearing in the column. Not sure if it is due to the solid shaft that allows for no compression/extension or not, but am going back to the OE shaft setup to be sure.

Question(s):

* Any info on that bushing replacement? Steps, etc?

* Anyone have a source or part number for the repair items/parts?

I did some preliminary homework, and did find some repair 'kits' that appear correct, but are listed for a range of vehicles. Some 'reviews' have pointed to an imperfect fit, and an amount of play that is still present. Which makes me wonder if the column I have used one of those and the play is something I will have to live with.

Here are the items found from my initial research:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/69-94-GM-Pa...p2047675.l2557

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automot...pe=all_reviews

https://www.amazon.com/Omix-Ada-1801...1936275&sr=8-2

All comments, opinions, etc welcome...


.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
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  #2  
Old 01-15-2021, 10:29 AM
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Started my rebuild last night. will be following for sure.

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  #3  
Old 01-15-2021, 10:34 AM
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So the tilt shaft is 1" diameter, and from the factory, my understanding is that it uses only a couple rubber seals. The 'upgrade' is to switch to a jeep roller bearing instead of the 'bushing'.

There's a couple vids on YouTube regarding the install of that lower bearing, as well as other column rebuild info, such as the upper bearing. Sure it would be helpful to review those.

I'm going to break out the service manual this weekend, but as in past cases, am not thinking it's going to be much help.

The intermediate shaft from what I understand is available from Dorman, and the seal, clip, and other items are available to rebuild your existing. I'm not sure of the quality of the Dorman replacement ones, if any have comments on that, I would be interested in hearing your experience(s).


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #4  
Old 01-15-2021, 12:59 PM
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Well, I pulled the trigger on the Crown CAS4487696K bearing kit, should have it in a week.


https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automot...A%3D%3D&sr=1-1


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #5  
Old 01-15-2021, 01:06 PM
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Here is one vid on YouTube that shows the R&R on the old and new. It's for a G body, GN, but the process is the same pretty much from '69-up GM 1" steering shafts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jz62rV6R_Q

.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #6  
Old 01-15-2021, 07:01 PM
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A lot easier than I envisioned! Thanks for the vid he does a nice job explaining the process.

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Old 01-15-2021, 07:46 PM
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Thanks for this, much appreciated. I plan to go through my column in a month or two and you've already answered a few questions I had.

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Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...
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Old 02-12-2021, 12:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
Well, I pulled the trigger on the Crown CAS4487696K bearing kit, should have it in a week.


https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automot...A%3D%3D&sr=1-1


.

Just wondering if you installed this kit yet and had any feedback on fit.

Thanks

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Michael


Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...
  #9  
Old 02-12-2021, 01:03 PM
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Haven't yet, it's been a cold @#*! lately, and not going out there. My heater won't keep up.

But it's on the list, and will post my experience. I've seen a number of YouTube vids that show how to do it, but not specifically for a Pontiac. BUT, the columns cross to many GM models, so it should be the same.


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
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Old 03-03-2021, 12:20 AM
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You were taking too long, I caught up to you LOL.

I ordered the Crown bearing kit. Amazon reviews contained several references to the plastic adapter piece being too small and loose, which is what I found also.

I ended using the bearing, end cap, and retaining clip and reusing my old adapter. This required popping out the old bearing which I did using a dead blow hammer and socket while holding the plastic adapter with gloves. The new bearing outer race was a bit loose in the old adapter (probably from stretching the adapter) but was tighter the next day.

Original adapter OD is 1.840", replacement was only 1.795", definitely not the right size.

Just for fun I tried putting my old bearing in the Crown adapter to see if it would expand it and make it fit better...no go, first tap of the hammer and the Crown adapter cracked down one side.
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Michael


Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...
  #11  
Old 03-03-2021, 08:21 AM
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I have 3 projects going at once, and haven't been driving the Judge, but yes, I was taking too long! Heheh!

Saw those comments on the setup, about the retainer, but the alternate part had similar comments. So using the old retainer works? Saw those comments too.

Now I'm worried that my column has a new retainer, since it was a rebuilt column. I hope not!

Might be a way to tighten the retainer up too.

I mat buy the Omix-Ada one too, and compare to the Crown one.

How does the shaft feel now, tight or has play?

Thanks for doing the homework, much appreciated!




.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #12  
Old 03-03-2021, 08:56 AM
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Yes, using the old retainer with the new bearing worked well. The steering column is still on my workbench as I am replacing the key and turn signal switches, so can't speak to how it will feel in the car, but this column was used in my 72 Lemans many years ago and I don't recall it being sloppy even with the existing bearing. I had the column apart to paint it, so this was the time to change it.

With everything assembled and pulling side to side on the steering shaft with hand pressure I can't detect any real movement. The old bearing was not worn out, but did have some side to side play that I could see when doing the same test. I will say that even with the factory adapter, nothing is "tight" down there, the adapter is a loose slip fit to the column housing and the bearing design is nowhere near as precision as a roller bearing. Having said that, still worth the effort to put a new bearing in if you have things apart.

Might be worthwhile to heat your old adapter a bit with a hair dryer before tapping out the existing bearing, then put it in the freezer after you have put the new one in to get the plastic to shrink back tight. If you break the old adapter you will be in a bad spot

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Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...

Last edited by mrennie; 03-03-2021 at 09:01 AM.
  #13  
Old 03-03-2021, 09:08 AM
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Like I mentioned, my concern is that during the restoration/rebuild by a service, the retainer was replaced. Guess I will find out once it comes apart.

I ordered the Omix-Ada one, should have it shortly. I will compare the two before I install either and will post findings.


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #14  
Old 03-05-2021, 02:00 PM
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Well, the Omix-Ada kit came in, and the retainer is the same size as the Crown one, 1.795 .

Digging a little further, I found that InLine Tube/MotorCity SuperCars makes a retainer, and it's supposed to be 'correct' :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVELLE-CA....c101195.m1851

I ordered one, should have it in a week. Once I get that, I will post my findings....

.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #15  
Old 03-05-2021, 06:36 PM
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It's the correct colour, so that is a start!

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Michael


Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...
  #16  
Old 03-06-2021, 08:49 AM
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Just to update my original post, I decided to use the Flaming River/Borgeson slip-shaft instead of going back to the OE shaft. It allows for 3.25" of compression/expansion, and will solve any potential problem with body movement.

Still not sure if that 'slop' was due to using the fixed length shaft or not, but fairly sure it is.


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
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Old 03-08-2021, 12:24 PM
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Ok, InLine Tube part came in, aaaaannd, it's 1.824-1.826, depending on where you measure.


Sooo, went back and looked at your measurement, and it looks like it is actually showing 1.824, or am I reading it wrong?


.
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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #18  
Old 06-23-2021, 11:07 AM
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Ok, did the bearing with the 'correct' collar, and, it's not 100%, or at least not as tight as I was hoping for. It's better than it was, but it's still got a little bit of slop in it.

I guess they just have a little slop even in 'perfect' condition, but I was kind of disappointed.

The R & R was gravy, was able to do it with just the intermediate shaft removed, and there was no forcing or anything involved, went right together.


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #19  
Old 06-23-2021, 12:37 PM
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Sorry, I didn't see your question about the dimension in my previous pic.

It was 1.840", the 0 on the Vernier scale is past 0.025" and the measurement that lines up is .015", so the total is 1.800 + .025 + .015.

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Michael


Oshawa built 1 option Judge basket case. 463, SD KRE 295's, CNC'd factory intake, Cliff's Qjet, Stump Puller HR cam, RARE RA manifolds, Pypes exhaust, T56 Magnum, McLeod RXT clutch, 3.42 12 bolt. 24 year project almost done...
  #20  
Old 06-23-2021, 01:09 PM
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I wish I had an original bushing for a tilt to compare the bearing fit. I'm not sure I put the bearing in all the way, but from what others had said, it doesn't go all the way into the bushing. Mine was not flush with side of the bushing.

Kind of doesn't matter, the bushing is still smaller than an original by .015.

Now I understand why some go to an IDIDIT column, but wow, not cheap.

I'm not sure the bearing I have is the same as an original either.

Do you still have the old bearing? Do you know what the inner diameter is?


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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
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