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M38a1 Cj5 Column Bearing

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

  1. mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    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.
     
    mike browne, Oct 8, 2019
    #1
  2. mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    This is the same as early CJ5. just looks like it needs something to center the shaft under the spring.
     
    mike browne, Oct 9, 2019
    #2
  3. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    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
     
    Rick Whitson, Oct 10, 2019
    #3
  4. mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    Thank you for the reply. Just do not want to put the new wheel on and have to try and remove it.
     
    mike browne, Oct 10, 2019
    #4
  5. PeteL

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

    PeteL, Oct 10, 2019
    #5
  6. mike browne

    mike browne New Member

    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?
     
    mike browne, Oct 11, 2019
    #6
  7. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    FF through LL in PeteL's diagram.
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Oct 11, 2019
    #7
  8. truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    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
    truckee4x4, Jul 13, 2020
    #8
  9. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    timgr, Jul 13, 2020
    #9
    truckee4x4 likes this.
  10. truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    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
    truckee4x4, Jul 13, 2020
    #10
  11. Don X

    Don X The Prodigal Moderator Staff Member 2023 Sponsor

    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.
     
    Don X, Dec 22, 2020
    #11
    Twin2 likes this.