upper steering bearing

[howie]

So I have recently purchased a 1984 CJ7 (I tried to update my information as best as possible) and I am in the process of working on some steering issues.

I have ordered and am in the process of replacing the the steering bearing coming immediately after the column comes through the firewall into the engine compartment (the bearings are gone!!!) . I saw a write up on this but have been unable to find it.

I took off the retaining clip to remove the older bearing couplink and was under the impression the shaft would collapse on itself towards the steering gear. However this does not seeem to be the case, unless that is, the shaft needs some M-A-N put into it. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IOPort51]

did you know that the bolt on the u joint coupling has to be completely removed before the u joint will slide off??

So I have recently purchased a 1984 CJ7 (I tried to update my information as best as possible) and I am in the process of working on some steering issues.

I have ordered and am in the process of replacing the the steering bearing coming immediately after the column comes through the firewall into the engine compartment (the bearings are gone!!!) . I saw a write up on this but have been unable to find it.

I took off the retaining clip to remove the older bearing couplink and was under the impression the shaft would collapse on itself towards the steering gear. However this does not seeem to be the case, unless that is, the shaft needs some M-A-N put into it. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[FamousJerry]

I just did this exact replacement today, the steering shaft will collapse if your in a accident, mine had 2 plastic pins keeping it from moving. but i have seen some that will slide. Mine is a 1985 CJ7 .

What i had to do was loosen the 4 bolts that hold the steering column in the dash and slightly putt the steering wheel up and into the passenger compartment. Not it only needs to move about an 1 1/2 and it will easily come off of the steering column. once you get to the point, remove the clip, then the cover and pop the bearing out and then the plastic retainer.

Then put in the new plastic retainer and then the bearing (make sure to lube it) and then the retainer cup and then the clip.

Then push the steering wheel back into the dash and on to the shaft and put back the bolt to hold the clamp and your good to go. Hope this helps.

 

[DHugg]

So I have recently purchased a 1984 CJ7 (I tried to update my information as best as possible) and I am in the process of working on some steering issues.

I have ordered and am in the process of replacing the the steering bearing coming immediately after the column comes through the firewall into the engine compartment (the bearings are gone!!!) . I saw a write up on this but have been unable to find it.

I took off the retaining clip to remove the older bearing couplink and was under the impression the shaft would collapse on itself towards the steering gear. However this does not seeem to be the case, unless that is, the shaft needs some M-A-N put into it. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated.

Howie, Same deal on my '80 CJ7 . I cut the brackets (your pic steering 2) holding the u-joint with a Dremel HD cutting wheel. The mild steel is soft as butter and bends readily.

 

[gert]

Yeah the plastic pins in the shaft will come out with so heat applied and you can then collapse the shaft instead of fooling with the steering wheel

 

[67Camaro]

I disassembled the steering shaft in my Son's '80 CJ7 and replaced the upper bearing. When I began reassembly, the splined shaft coming out of the firewall only penetrates the coupler about a half inch. I noticed the shaft is notched to accept the pinch bolt. Does this shaft have a slip joint also? Help!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I disassembled the steering shaft in my Son's '80 CJ7 and replaced the upper bearing. When I began reassembly, the splined shaft coming out of the firewall only penetrates the coupler about a half inch. I noticed the shaft is notched to accept the pinch bolt. Does this shaft have a slip joint also? Help!

Yes it does. It will move in and out inside the column. Just get ahold to it and give it a good yank!