Steering Wheel Bearing Replacement.

[tracy_s_1993_atx]

So my steering wheel has plenty of play as if the bearing is toast.
Any suggestions as to how to change the upper bearings on the steering shaft? I see that there is two upper bearings.

Steering Column for 1993 Ford Taurus | OEM Parts Online

ford.oempartsonline.com

Part #4 in the diagram.

I found the upper OEM bearings on Amazon. F4DZ-3517-B and F4DZ-3517-C

I am hoping that the clock spring is not damaged as a result as my ABS light flashes 32. I am hoping it is just due to misalignment.
If I can find a clock spring, I will replace while I am in there. Any sources for the clock spring for my '93 ATX?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[luigisho]

I always had to get a used clockspring that matched the part number on the original unit. THere are several different ones manufactured in different places. Once I had an auto electrical specialist repair one to finally get it fixed. Solder and a huge magnifying glass. This dude was old school.

 

[SHOrod]

So my steering wheel has plenty of play

Are you referring to "play" as in side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or just in rotational "play" before the front wheels show side-to-side movement? It seems hard to imagine the steering shaft bearings experience enough load and wear to cause play, but I suppose it's possible.

-Rod

 

[tracy_s_1993_atx]

Yep,
The steering wheel moves side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Something is definitely bad in there.

Michael

Are you referring to "play" as in side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or just in rotational "play" before the front wheels show side-to-side movement? It seems hard to imagine the steering shaft bearings experience enough load and wear to cause play, but I suppose it's possible.

-Rod

 

[luigisho]

THis look similar? an older pre airbag truck but still similar concept. Do you have a service manual? Looking for schematics

See if this diagram link works. You might want to verify with dealer parts counter

Steering Column for 1993 Ford Taurus | TascaParts.com

www.tascaparts.com

 

[tracy_s_1993_atx]

Yep, that look similar to my steering wheel movement, but not as severe.
I ordered the bearings from Amazon, so I am waiting for them to arrive. Thankfully I found the OEM bearings.

I do have the service manual, but it is not very detailed.

 

[luigisho]

It should be similar to the video in design I would think. Only had to deal with airbag and clockspring and multifunction switch so no helpful tips. Good luck and report back

 

[tracy_s_1993_atx]

I will take many photos when I dig into repairing the steering wheel play. I just need to find a clock spring.

 

[luigisho]

While you are in there take a pick of the clockspring part number and it should indicate a city of mfg. I think you have to match both. My used ones were hit and miss. Got one repaired by a pro that worked great. Save your old one in case you have to track someone like that down.

 

[black92]

I have never seen a sloppy steering column bearing. Anything is possible.
I have seen a cracked column housing, which did not hold the steering column snug.
Crawl under the dash while another wiggles the wheel. Attempt to pinpoint the slop.

 

[tracy_s_1993_atx]

"black92", thanks for your input. I have contacted Mike at Shosource to see if he has a 1993 ATX steering column. He does have a 1994, but we are unsure if the connectors will be the same as Ford liked to change connectors between years.

Thanks guys,
Michael

 

[Devin]

Just when you thought you saw everything! I didn't even know the steering wheel had a bearing in it. I mean, it makes sense, just never thought of it!