641 steering column bushing

kentrx1 · Regular Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Report to Moderator

rebuilding the steering box and the bushing that came in for the top of the steering column is a solid looking hard fiber/metal mix that appears to be a bit larger than the interior of the column. the original bearing was a ball bearing type and the new holland dealership told me this replaces that style bushing/bearing. the bushing is squared off with neither side beveled. i realize i could grind it a little and MAYBE drive it in, but i just wanted to get some input. the part number is correct according to the 641 parts breakdown and it came in a sealed bag with the number printed on the bag, so i feel it is the right part according to the parts diagram. thanks.

RickB · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: 641 steering column bushing

I think your recollection of a ball bearing at the top of a Ford steering box upper column is incorrect. All I have ever seen are bushings in that location.

kentrx1 · Regular Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Report to Moderator

i removed it myself. was not much left of it, but was did have a small ball bearings in it. i posted a picture of it on this side a few days ago as i had to use a cut off tool to cut the band off. how do you get this bushing style in the column?

souNdguy · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:33 am Post subject: Re: 641 steering column bushing

mic the id and od.. a very slight interference fit will be ok.. VERY slight...

kentrx1 · Regular Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Report to Moderator

just discovered there is still an outer hull of the original bearing shell in the column. amazing what a good nights sleep will show you.

souNdguy · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 8:39 am Post subject: Re: 641 steering column bushing

yup.. it drives in and has a lip at the top..

kentrx1 · Regular Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Report to Moderator

when i use the new style bushing in the top of the shaft do i still use the spring on top of the solid bushing? do i drive the new bushing level with the column or down further?

souNdguy · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:54 am Post subject: Re: 641 steering column bushing

the spring is virtually useless.

old bushing had a ? 1/32 lip that sat on top edge of column.. so you could leave it 1/32 proud.. etc..

kentrx1 · Regular Joined: 28 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Report to Moderator

thanks again soundguy! you are such a great resource!

souNdguy · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 5:01 am Post subject: Re: 641 steering column bushing

that area is one of those 'horseshoes' type measurement. ie.. generally.. if close.. it works, as that bushing just centers the top of the steering shaft. as long as the steering wheel can fit down on the splines and put the acorn nut on and it is not binding or rubbing.. should be fine.

Allis Chalmers	Case	Cockshutt	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
H. Ferguson	John Deere	Massey	Minn. Moline	Oliver	All The Rest