69 Cougar Mustang Tilt Away Upper andLlower Bearings

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

Greetings,

Hello forum members,

I am rebuilding my Tilt-Away column as it would not tilt away.

In the process, I identified a few issues.

  1. A snap ring is installed in front of the upper bearing.
  2. No lower bearing
  3. Wires pinched (Plastic sleeve missing)
  4. Insulation in lower tube missing

Reputable sites indicate snap rings were not installed on the upper and lower bearings.

The trusted WCCC site states “Used snap ring that is used to hold the bearing on you the steering shaft. This ring was used on 67 - 78 fixed columns and 70 - 78 tilt columns. Not for use on 67 - 69 tilt columns.”

Snap Ring - Fixed / Tilt Column - Used ~ 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar / 1967 - 1973 Ford Mustang ( 1967 Mercury Cougar, 1968 Mercury Cougar, 1969 Mercury Cougar, 1970 Mercury Cougar, 1971 Mercury Cougar, 1972 Mercury Cougar, 1973 Mercury Cougar, 1967 Ford Mustang, 1968 Ford Mustang, 1969 Ford Mustang, 1970 Ford Mustang, 1971 Ford Mustang, 1972 Ford Mustang, 1973 Ford Mustang ) at West Coast Classic Cougar :: The Definitive 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar Parts Source

A few postings indicate that the turn signal wiring base holds the upper bearing in place.

Other postings indicate a bushing holds the lower bearing in place.

One person posted a detailed 68 diagram that does not include snap rings or a rubber bushing. See attachment.

Requesting expert guidance on the installation of these bearings.

I am aware of many services available to perform a rebuild. After paying for a failed restoration, I have elected to rebuild the column myself.

Thanks. Norman.

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2

A spring under the steering wheel nut holds the upper bearing tight.

3

The upper bearing was actually held in place by a snap ring, The snap ring slips into a groove in the shaft aligned with the bearing. I removed the snap ring easily with a $4.99 a PITTSBURGH Snap Ring Pliers with Interchangeable Heads set from Harbor Freight. The bearing then popped right out.

IMG_9470.HEIC
IMG_9470.HEIC3024×4032 2.18 MB

IMG_9479.HEIC
IMG_9479.HEIC3024×4032 1.87 MB

The shaft would not push back from the lower bearing. Looks like I will need to remove a couple of pivot pins to get to the lower bearing and shaft joint.

1 Like
4

I just knocked 3 -1967-69 Ford tilt columns apart last week. None had the snap ring. Not sure why

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5

CougarCJ, Sounds like you have much experience with these tilt and tilt-away columns. Could I lean on your expertise related to removing the shaft from the knuckle on my tilt-away. Looks like something is holding the shaft in the knuckle even though the front bearing is out. Am I correct in that I must remove 2 pivot pins to get the shaft out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The column is rock solid with zero play in any of the joints. I just need to get all the old, dried grease removed. It was stored away for many years. Thank you.

1 Like
6

Yes, you must remove the two pivot pins. they can be very stubborn. I don’t have any tricks. 6-32 pin puller usually breaks the threads.

Have had to ground the head down and drive out the pin with a pin punch. You must be very careful, easy to damage the upper knuckle. Not much space to drive the pins without hitting the joint on the shaft.

1 Like
7

I should have added a correction. The lower bearing is actually in the column. I incorrectly stated it was missing earlier. The column had never been previously serviced.