My adjustable column has got a plastic support bearing which often starts to bind so the action gets very tight.
I want to replace it with a proper ball bearing but I need something really low profile as anything big will get in the way of my brake pedal.
I think someone posted a pic of a split pillow bearing that might do the job. Can anyone point me in the right direction for finding one? Failing that, any other ideas for supporting the column firmly?

This one on the North West Hoodies site may be useful. Details a bearing which works well.Steering support bearing

RS components sell bearings (I have account if you need to buy one).

I got my new engine mounting rubber from these people link. they sent me 2 thick catalogues full of different bearings and all sorts..... reasonable prices (for some of their kit) and really good service. thye didn't turn up their nose at my £7 order either

Reading about the bearing used in the hood. The part number is wrong. It should be " SLFL25 "

Rs do them for about £12.55 They also do a 3 bolt version " SLFE25 " forthe same money.
Link

On closer inspection the cause is now clear
Rescued attachment Column Support.jpg

The bearing fell out in four pieces!

Replacing this with a needle roller isn't ideal. The od & id is 34mm & 28mm and tbh I would like to move the bearing away from the brake pedal a little more.
The triangle section lower down in the column normally has a bearing fixed doesn't it? ... or am I thinking of another column?

[Edited on 25-5-07 by RazMan]
Rescued attachment Column Bush.jpg

Can you get a phosphor bronze bush that size? It wouldn't smash up like the plastic bush.

quote:

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Originally posted by RazMan
The triangle section lower down in the column normally has a bearing fixed doesn't it? ... or am I thinking of another column?

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phosphor bronze

quote:

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Originally posted by MikeRJ
On the Sierra column the lower bearing is a fairly cheap and nasty three piece plastic bush. You can buy them for a few quid at motor factors or ebay etc.

I'd have thought a needle roller was the only choice if you want a bearing with simmilar dimensions to the original bush?

EDIT:
Actualy, you might be able to use a spherical bearing to solve the problem and eliminate the door hinge solution: e.g. http://www.ondrives.com/products.asp?recnumber=872

[Edited on 25/5/07 by MikeRJ]

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I just ordered my bearing from link above.

Guy knew exactly which website i was talking about !!! must have alot ordered!

i love this site, so many cool tips!

On my Kitten I used a real nice column bearing from a Fiat. It had a ribbed rubber outer and needle roller inner. The OD was about 10mm larger than the ID.

The rubber allowed a little flex to take up any out of true. The needles gave low friction running.

These are the best pictures I have. The bearing is at the top of the column.

I have one of those columns if you want one Raz, they had them in fiat 126's, and I have an immaculate spare one

That's a kind thought NS Dev but won't that mean a complete rethink in my column mountings, switchgear etc? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

yea will be a rethink in terms of switchgear i'm afraid.

I think for your situation, just get somebody to turn up a suitable phosphor bronze top hat bush with a circlip groove the other side to the hat rim and clip it in where the plastic one came out.

Excellent idea - especially about the circlip