Steering column bearings

[Lawrence]

Where would I get steering column bearings to buy for my GQ? There is a creaking sound coming from the column when turning, especially on dry surfaces. I suspect the bearings in the column need grease, but worse case, new bearings. I've checked on popular sites like Amayama, and Parsouq, but they don't seem the sell the internal parts of the column.

[Lawrence]

Water seems to have gotten into the column from a leak.

[PeeBee]

I guess the first thing to determine is whether the bearings are serviceable, meaning they may be sealed for life configuration, and the seals have hardened and the grease dried out. You may be able to force some grease into the bearing elements and stop the noise via the seal but this is a short term solution - then again the loads on them is probably small so you might get away with it. You could if all else fails, and if you can get to the bearings, use a syringe and push the grease into the roller cage - again its desperation stuff. . I would also have a close look to see if you can remove and replace the bearings - they may be in crimped sub assemblies and that will complicate the situation. I think you may end up trying to source a replacement column. I have one but its in Melb Australia, so no help to you. The column isn't that hard to remove, so maybe you would need to remove from the vehicle to assess properly.

[mihit]

Not sure what's available in jamaica (mon) but here we have engineering and even specialist bearing supply houses. I imagine they're a standard size, but you'll need them out to check for dimensions/ parts number. This will be on the outer race.

[mihit]

I guess the first thing to determine is whether the bearings are serviceable, meaning they may be sealed for life configuration, and the seals have hardened and the grease dried out. You may be able to force some grease into the bearing elements and stop the noise via the seal but this is a short term solution - then again the loads on them is probably small so you might get away with it. You could if all else fails, and if you can get to the bearings, use a syringe and push the grease into the roller cage - again its desperation stuff. . I would also have a close look to see if you can remove and replace the bearings - they may be in crimped sub assemblies and that will complicate the situation. I think you may end up trying to source a replacement column. I have one but its in Melb Australia, so no help to you. The column isn't that hard to remove, so maybe you would need to remove from the vehicle to assess properly.

Nothing is "sealed for life" if you're determined enough :)

Most bearings SAY they're greased for life, but it's a simple matter to pop the dust cover off, flush out old grease, and if they're still good, regrease and refit them. I actually make this standard practice with all new bearings before I fit them.