Are the upper steering column bearings available?

[76_TypeLT]

I looked on GM Parts Direct, Year One, Classic Industries, Rock Auto and cannot find the UPPER steering column bearings for my 76. Year One has the LOWER bearing but not the two uppers. Mine are OK but curious if these are available anywhere.

[RickM]

I got mine at the GM dealer. There was a repair kit for both upper and lower

RickM

[76_TypeLT]

FYI, the kit part # is 7844651. It is ~$35 at www.gmpartsdirect.com vs ~$60 at the dealer.

It contains the upper and lower bearing and other internal parts for the upper steering column. It is not marketed as a repair kit for 2nd gens, but it appears to be correct. I think it's sold primarily as a repair kit for 80s GM truck steering columns. Just wanted to pass along.

[BonzoHansen]

I searched rockauto for that part number and got this:

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # US165L More Information About this Part {#7827028, 7827156, 7839666, 7844651, 7847978, D844}
Category: Steering Column Components $53.99

Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 7827028, 7827156, 7839666, 7844651, 7847978, D844
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=43860

BUICK (1978 - 1996)
CADILLAC (1978 - 1990)
CHEVROLET (1978 - 1996)
GMC (1978 - 1996)
OLDSMOBILE (1978 - 1996)
PONTIAC (1978 - 1996)



AIRTEX / WELLS Part # 4H1462 More Information About this Part {#28783966, 7827028, 7827156, 7839666, 7844651, 7847978, LS1600C}
Category: Steering Column Components $90.79

[76_TypeLT]

that pic shows some of the parts in the kit I got. It might just not show all the pieces in the kit. My kit also had the two bearings and the upper bearing race.

I called a Chevy dealer for a list of vehicles this kit works with and he rattled off:

• 84-96 Vette
• 82-90 Celebrity
• 81-96 Caprice
• 82-90 Cavalier

[76_TypeLT]

I wouldn't mind replacing the lower bearing at the very bottom of the shaft, which Year One has, but they want $11.20 to ship it I even called them and they said minimal S&H is $10. I am not sure what other vehicles use the same lower shaft bearing. Might have to suck it up and pay Year One (with the 15% discount of course). I figure I might as well do it all now and get it over with.

[Hoot]

I took both mine out and just cleaned and regreased them. Working fine so far, almost 1500 miles.

[grzewnicki]

these bearings are probably available at any industrial supply place. I remember many years ago needing a bearing for a Kawi KE250 dirt/street bike which I couldn't get right away at the dealer. The parts guy said to check an industrial supplier, yep had 'em, Not the same number but here is what you have to think about. I am GM and building a new widget, I need some bearings, I'm going to design my widget to accept a bearing that is already made vice having to have a special bearing manufactured. By knowing the outside diam/inside diam/width and style (roller or ball) you can cross it in an industrial catalogue pretty easily. And in the end the bearing I needed for my Kawi was around $7.00 and from the dealer 4 times that, for the same item!

[76_TypeLT]

I am sure you are right, but finding the bearing is the bigger problem. These bearings have a fairly unique design in that the bearings are held in place with a plastic "cage" and the outer race is of course steel.

What kind of industrial supplier are you talking about? A hardware supplier or a place like a White Cap?