The 'E' Type Forum

Hi All, I have some movement in the upper steering column on my series 2/ 2+2 and have bought a steering column bearing kit from SNG Barratt part number SBS1005. Does any one have advice on the best way to replace these bearings and if it is a complicated job. Many thanks

Its not a difficult job but needs removal of the upper column. I suspect you will find the column needs reshimming to remove the play. Don't make it too tight though as the steering becomes stiff.

Thanks any pointers on re shimming?

Hmmm. The factory used a wavy washer which acted as a spring to keep the tension on the bearings. It isn't possible to remove all play without this. Assuming you do have it, quite simply add remove shims, fit the circlip and see if the column turns freely with no play discernable. Obviously, if there is play, add shims if the column is too tight, remove. When you start the job it should become apparent. Don't forget to clean and grease the bearings first.

Thats great thanks for the info

Yes. I had exactly this issue. The column comes out in 10 minutes if you separate the clamp.

My taper bearings were fine, however the wavy washer was in pieces.

It was not listed on SNG so I had to improvise.

With a new wavy washer the taper bearings seated properly and the up and down movement all but vanished.

Hi,

I also bought this kit from SNG, but it is not a replacement of the original bearings. It are 4 conical shaped brass and metal rings that act as bearings. I was very confused how to use it, and contacted SNG about is. Sadly didn't helped me much. Their comment was, it should be installed by a proper mechanic, because it needs to be made to fit.

I end up with not using the kit at all. Sadly couldn't return it because I partly used/installed one brass bearing in the column and therefore had some scratches when removing it.

My wavy washer was also broken. I fiixed this by using normal shims until their was just a little play. I cleaned the original delicate bearings and greased them. Column is as new.

Lesson learned. Be very sceptic at repair- rebuildkits from the usuals. In this case it was a waste of money for me.

Regards,
Richard

Bernie2015 wrote:Hi All, I have some movement in the upper steering column on my series 2/ 2+2 and have bought a steering column bearing kit from SNG Barratt part number SBS1005. Does any one have advice on the best way to replace these bearings and if it is a complicated job. Many thanks

Does the series 1 3.8 have the 'wavy washer'?.........don't remember seeing such a beast when I replaced the upper column bushes (manual & parts book too small to make out!).
Thanks

Bernie2015 wrote:Hi All, I have some movement in the upper steering column on my series 2/ 2+2 and have bought a steering column bearing kit from SNG Barratt part number SBS1005. Does any one have advice on the best way to replace these bearings and if it is a complicated job. Many thanks

How did you drop steering down ? Any pics ? Can pics be attached and shown in posts ?

Thanks
Patrick
4.2 '66 FHC

Bernie : IIRC the S2 has a different arrangement from the earlier cars with plastic bushes rather than the earlier metal ones. I don't know if there is a bellville washer on these, but I suspect not . You need to ensure that you have the correct type for your car

Hi,

Here are some pics. One is my steering column, other the kit from SNG and original bearings.

Regards,
Richard

I got them to do it at the garage as it looked too hard for me so sorry no photos. They replaced the bearings which seemed to do the trick.

Thanks guys but I decided to let a garage do it in the end so sorry no pics for it.