Replaced the lower steering column bearing about 8 months / <5000 miles ago and it has already failed. Replaced with one of the few new ones that were available back then/ NLA it appears now (although looks like moogie has some on ebay).
Can't get a good picture of what has happened, but it seems to have failed in a strange way. The old bearing I replaced would fall out the bottom of the column and was for a long time held up with a hose clamp.
This time it seems that the inner race piece was pushed further up the column or perhaps it has been demolished. Hard to tell from the picture and not having torn it down yet.
Crappy photo:
So... how do I keep this from happening again? I don't want to be doing this every year...
Maybe try a bearing and sleeve retaining compound. I know it as Rite-lok or 3M scotch weld RT-09 it is for loose or slip fit bearings that need to be held onto a shaft. Or for press fit that the shaft has been messed and someone wants a cheap fix. It hardens and takes up slop. It also doesn't allow the race to move. I think it would work for you.
Maybe try a bearing and sleeve retaining compound. I know it as Rite-lok or 3M scotch weld RT-09 it is for loose or slip fit bearings that need to be held onto a shaft. Or for press fit that the shaft has been messed and someone wants a cheap fix. It hardens and takes up slop. It also doesn't allow the race to move. I think it would work for you.
^ ^ ^ sounds like a reasonable fix to me..
Some sort of compound sounds good. I have no personal experience with the ones listed - are those a permanent adhesion type thing or something that will still allow it to be pressed back off if it should wear or need replacement in the future?
They are not permanent. Heat and or a press and they come right off.
Anyone have a better source for the inner race? Dealer is NLA, best price I've found so far online is World Impex or ECS tuning around $55!
Part is 171 419 518 A
I'm thinking I might try to drill and tap on the flat edges and put a small #4 screw or something to hold it from moving up and down, or try to cut a groove on either end and put a snap ring in place.
The RT 09 is easier to remove than a snap ring or a screw. It will hold it too. I sell it to a machine shop that uses it as spec for navy submarine fans and rotors. Just make sure it is clean.
No source on that part though.
Well from the looks of the pic you posted. It looks like the steering shaft has either been crushed or something, because the inner race should not be that far inside of the colum shaft. Maybe thats why its blowing out sooner than expected.