Arg! Lower column bearing too large? Help

[cougs]

Anybody had a problem with a new lower column bearing being too large for the steering shaft.  It seems the inner race is about a thousandth too large so it behaves like a bushing, ie, the shaft isn't large enough to turn the inner race...   Ideas?  Car is a 68 charger.   

[ws23rt]

If the inner race clearance is actually .001" than is seems about right. If there were one half thousandth to zero clearance it would be light to heavy press fit. I am not sure what the design calls for.
btw part number for 69 is 2950513 and for 68 is 2883543. Could be the same bearing just a year change in the pn.
Did the old one come out easy?

[cougs]

The other one came off easily but the bearing was frozen and I think the steering shaft was spinning in the inner face for quite some time.  There is no noticeable wear on the steering shaft from the old bearing.  Would there be enough pressure on the bearing when installed to turn the inner race?   Being that I'm installing a new bearing it is pretty stiff (the bearing) and it seems like it won't turn when installed. I may try to scar the steering shaft with a punch and a hammer to take up the fit. 

[ws23rt]

I have done that before but it doesn't work as well as I thought it would. Also didn't like the crude mess. Try locktite.

[cougs]

I thought about that or JB weld or even a piece of thin tape just to increase the diameter of the steering shaft a couple thousandths in that one spot. 

[cougs]

I see guys have used a piece of aluminum can too.  I'm going to try scoring it a but with a punch and some loctite 620.  Wish me luck!

[tan top]

 not sure if this helps or makes any difference  , there are two types of lower bearing  , a two bolt & three bolt  ,  think all  second generations are two bolt , mine was/ is

[cougs]

Right, I think I have the right bearing.  Just surprised it isn't at least an interference fit.

[cougs]

Right, I think I have the right bearing.  Just surprised it isn't at least an interference fit.

[cougs]

I ended up using a punch and a hammer to make a few dimples which worked perfectly.  Created just enough of an interference so the bearing went on with some effort.  The inner race turns just as it should.  Also replaced the upper bearing and turn signal switch wile I was at it.  Turns silky smooth now!  Here are some pics of my resto.  

[Bob]

Looks very professionally done. Good job

Bob