my write-up on replacing the steering column bearings Options

[Wes V]

I just replaced the bearings within the steering column assembly and thought you all would like the write-up. (lots of photos)

my web site page

It was easy and straight forward.

Now the steering wheel doesn't flop around!

Wes Vann

[charliew]

Good write up, it shows lots of parts not normally seen in the column. There are already some write ups on doing this. If the bottom bearing is ok, it probably will be, it's a lot better bearing than the top one and it's also a sealed bearing where the top one is not. You can really just take the upper housing off of the shaft leaving the shaft and lower housing in the car. The nylon sleeve is the hard part to get it seems it's only a porsche part but a vw metal sleeve and bearing is readily available and will work. It really should be put in with the lip down as you did on either type. Also it's real easy to get some of the wires out of there little channels so watch them closely, it will hang up not going all the way back together if the wires get out of place. There is also a little insulator inbetween the contacts for the highbeam switch to check that it doesn't get broken off. I also have a 72 super beetle and it looks like the turn signal assembly may be the same part as my 75 914 switch. Also some people have said that the bearing was not snug in the aluminum housing and it needed some shimming.

[Wes V]

Charliew;

When I was doing research, I kept hearing comments on a "Quick Fix" kit. Do you know what it is. All I ever saw were comments, but not what it really is.

As for the lower bearing being sealed. On my 75 the original wasn't sealed. The replacement one was. (as stated in the write-up, the photos are not really in sequence and what may be presented as a "disassembly" photo was in reality taken while I was putting it back together)

Wes