Steering column upper bearings - fitted in pairs?

[Paul Kelley]

I've had an MOT advisory that there's play in the steering wheel via the column top bush (and there is). This seems to be quite a common reason for failing and appears to be an awkward job to replace. My main question is this: is there one or two bearings required at the top of the column around the dash? I can't really tell from the original workshop manual. Both EJ Ward and LD parts have the bearing for around £25 + each. LD says they are used in pairs but I don't want to fit two if not needed.

Any advice appreciated about whether it's one or two, and if it's two then does experience say you need to replace both at the same time? Plus anything else re fitting. Many thanks.

Paul K

[milothedog]

I've had an MOT advisory that there's play in the steering wheel via the column top bush (and there is). This seems to be quite a common reason for failing and appears to be an awkward job to replace. My main question is this: is there one or two bearings required at the top of the column around the dash? I can't really tell from the original workshop manual. Both EJ Ward and LD parts have the bearing for around £25 + each. LD says they are used in pairs but I don't want to fit two if not needed.

Any advice appreciated about whether it's one or two, and if it's two then does experience say you need to replace both at the same time? Plus anything else re fitting. Many thanks.

Paul K

You may get away with adjusting them, there is a serrated washer that can be tapped down a little sometimes to take out the play and you can also buy a locking ring which works better than the original set up.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-STAG-2000-2500-STEERING-COLUMN-TOP-CLAMP-UPRATED-MODIFIED-/231247866000?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35d7726890

[Paul Kelley]

Many thanks Milo (or Ian - I think!). I noticed this on the E J Ward site too and had wondered if it might be a short cut, so thanks for confirming. I think I'll give it a go.

[Dave M]

I already have one of the locking rings that Ian mentioned fitted and it does help remove the play.
Not wishing to hijack this thread but I also have an issue with my steering that has only happened since I changed my steering wheel. The old wood rimmed steering wheel I was replacing took some getting off and I had to pull it quite hard to get it to come off. Replaced the wheel with the same size but leather covered rim and the steering now feels a bit notchy and does not return smoothly. Any ideas re what may have happened?

[milothedog]

I already have one of the locking rings that Ian mentioned fitted and it does help remove the play.
Not wishing to hijack this thread but I also have an issue with my steering that has only happened since I changed my steering wheel. The old wood rimmed steering wheel I was replacing took some getting off and I had to pull it quite hard to get it to come off. Replaced the wheel with the same size but leather covered rim and the steering now feels a bit notchy and does not return smoothly. Any ideas re what may have happened?

You could try resetting the locking ring Dave. You may have loaded the bearings too much (moved it downwards) without realizing when changing the steering wheel.