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MG MGB Technical - steering column

I have a 1968 mgb roadster and the steering column bearing went out? i went to replace it and all the balls fell out? does anyone know where i can get the new bearing? iv looked in the catalogs and they just show the complete steering column.

thanks
scot
Scot

May I recommend a "bearing" shop, if you can't find any other source.

Just take in the bearing or a sample ball if you still have one. They will need inside diameter, and outside diameter. (of the sleeved part)

My 67' has a leather plug, and a nylon sleeve for bearings. I can't quite remember what the 68' used.

Gord Bestwick

Scot,

The bearings are NLA and if you want a new one I think you have to have a machine shop custom fit one for you, although I think I read that finding a bearing of that size is difficult.

I had the same problem so I used old ones from parts cars I had. I also picked up a used column at a show for $5 and the bearing was OK. There is a spring that puts pressure on the back plate of the bearing and sometimes when you disassemble the column the bearings fall out because you lost the pressure on the back plate of the bearing. If the housing is OK and you haven't lost any of the ball bearings you may be able to put the bearing back together making sure to keep pressure on the back plate. Some light grease may hold the balls in the housing while you reassemble, but it takes patience. Remember, though, if you are missing any balls this won't work!
You may find a good used bearing at British Miles, a parts/breaker in PA. 800-933-4964. They have a huge inventory of used parts.

Good Luck,
Sam
Sam

I'm confused. Where exactly is this ball bearing? I need to fix up-and-down movement in my '71 column, but understood that there is a nylon bush at the drivers end and a felt bush at the UJ end. Tell me where this ball bearing is so that I can watch out for it. Thanks.
Mike
Mike Howlett

Mike,

Only the late UK cars had ball bearings - yours will have plastic bushes.
Chris Betson

Mike-

I'm assuming Scot is talking about the lower bearing on his 68 which is a ball bearing and not available new. It is a cheap pressed metal affair with a lot of 'slop' inside. It's easy for the balls to fall out, after all they are pretty old and not well made. If you are lucky you can find a good used one. Wash it out in kerosene (it will have a LOT of grit in it), make sure you hold it together so your balls don't fall out, let it dry and lightly grease/oil it, reinstall it allowing the spring on the column to hold it together.
Even after installation there will be some play in the lower column. (Which I'm thinking may be beneficial if the U-joint is not in perfect alignment?)

Sam
Sam

This thread was discussed on 07/01/2002

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