I'm looking at replacing that small bushing on the steering column tomorrow.
I have it, but I'm just not sure exactly on how to replace it.
I understand that I have to remove the steering wheel (not a big deal), but after that I'm not sure what to do. I had a thread bookmarked on how to somewhat replace it but I switched computers so I no longer have it.
It's really tiny, so it shouldn't be that hard.

Thanks guys

 

Bump?
I'll do a DIY with pictures.

 

Mine is just a plastic cage with steel rollers. It may just pop out or you can work a screwdriver under the rim and walk it out.

The last time I had an off track excursion that bearing popped out. I had to make an aluminum collar for between the bearing and the quick release adapter to keep it for happening again.

 

This is the bushing I am referring to.
This is the bushing that will stop the up and down play on my steering column.

 

I have never seen a bushing like that and I have had three columns apart. I also looked it the parts manual and no luck.

The bearing I am refering to is the top bearing inside the column just under the steering wheel. It is below the aluminum spacer at the top of the column here.

 

Yeah, from what I know it's a '78-'80 year specific thing.
They break up after time causing some up and down play on the steering column.
I talked to someone and they told me that once I remove the steering wheel it just slides right in after I clean up whatever is left of the previous bushing. The thing that confuses me before I remove the steering wheel, which direction does the bushing slide in? Does it guide me? making it completely impossible to screw this up. Also there is a little band around bushing do I remove it?
I would like to get this done as soon as possible.

 

Does it have a lip to keep it from going past the end of the column? If so obviously the other end goes in first. Also see if there is some type of stamped key or other feature inside the column tube that would force a certain "clocking" of the bushing.

The band looks like and O-ring and probably is to remain on the bushing during installation.

 

That's the thing I don't know.
I was hoping someone would have that answer for me.
I didn't want the steering wheel off and then haven't the slightest idea of how it fits.
I wanted to walk into this little project with a plan.

 

So I found that thread I was referring to. Didn't know I had some posts in it.

So this is what i have gathered.

Step1: remove steering wheel
Step2: remove switch cluster (4 screws)
Step3: marvel at how busted up the old bushing is
Step4: clean up and replace

I hope that's right.

 

What is the part number of that bushing and where did you get it? I don't see it in my black dragon catalog.

NVM found it at Mazdatrix.

 

long fingernails and needle nose pliers to get the old sucker outta there

 

^^^ other than this my directions are correct?