Steering Column Upper Bearing Assembly

[sonicbluezx3]

So I went to replace the ignition lock cylinder in my 78 K5 Blazer.... got it all apart, replaced what I needed to replace, but then I noticed the little ball bearings coming out. I put them back in the little plastic piece but after I got it all back together I noticed there were 3 of them that came back out. I didn't use any grease to hold them in so I think that's my issue, but I could be wrong. The housing may be worn, I'm not sure.

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SO two questions....

1) Assuming the bearing can't be reassembled with grease, does anyone know where to get a replacement bearing assembly? Or even a part number, or technical name for it? I tried upper bearing for a steering column and haven't seen much.

2) What kind of grease do I need to use?

 

[da_raabi]

I had a similar problem with the column in my Camaro, except that the plastic housing broke. I super-glued the housing back together and just used some general-purpose grease I had and stuck the balls back in. I haven't used the column since then as it is for a long-term project, but it seemed to work and I see no reason why it wouldn't. If the grease was good enough for a wheel bearing I figure it should be good enough for this!

 

[MadOgre]

yes you need to be generous with the grease