I saw on FB that someone has replaced the plastic bearing in a 70 e body steering column (power, if it matters) to a metal ball bearing. These bearing are cheap and the poster said it made a nice difference as the plastic one was worn out. Has anyone changed their bearing and is this usually the only item that really wears out in a column? I have 2 columns I could do and am curious if this is something that is necessary (both 50 year old coumns). I've attached a link of the bearing that was recommended.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SER205-16-...With-Snap-Ring-NEW-ER205-16/291415817563

Not sure on the e-body but the bearing shown is for a 1 inch shaft. I thought they were 3/4 shafts.

I don't know, this was the bearing that was mentioned.

This one would be more appropriate for the Mopar 3/4" shaft.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SER204-12-...-Ring-High-Quality-ER204-12/132395499046

Is this supposed to be for a column shift or floor shift?

Good info here

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=91398.0

John, it looks like it is for the floor shift, but according to the write up on cuda-challenger provided link from BDW, it can be for a column shift if one removes the shifting tube.

Nice find BDW, thanks

Its not a matter of "wear". These things were subjected to all the rain, snow, salt, mud and any other crap that's on the road and getting splashed up there. But I suspect the car won't ever be seeing any of that again so don't worry about "wear".

I put a bearing in mine. Can't say it made much of a difference because the whole car was rebuilt, but it seems to be doing fine after 10,000miles.

Its worth noting that the original bearings are a ball bearing encased in plastic - probably provide some protection - as well as something to screw into to retain it in the column. Had the factory used an all steel bearing they'd have been replacing those like crazy under warranty! I think the factory ones would have survived even better had they not put the holes in the outer column - which allowed dirt and moisture to seep down to the bearing with no way to get out. I'm surprised columns didn't rot away to nothing!