The lower steering column bearing in your Ford truck is one of the many components that connect the steering wheel to the truck's steering system. If there is a problem with the bearing, it might be difficult to steer your truck. In this case, the easiest solution would be to replace the bearing. Replacement steering column bearings are inexpensive and can purchased online or from your local Ford dealer. It should take about an hour to replace the bearing.
Open the hood of your Ford truck and disconnect the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.
Remove the air bag from the steering wheel, if equipped. Use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the column shrouds from the steering column.
Remove the screw from the turn signal switch. Pull the switch out of the column but do not disconnect it.
Remove the black turn signal ring by pulling it off the steering column. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the snap ring.
Pull off the bearing retainer by hand. Underneath where the bearing retainer was are the small column bearing and the large column bearing. Remove the small bearing by removing its securing bolt. This will let you access the large bearing. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the large bearing.
Inspect both bearings. If either bearing is broken, chipped or damaged in any way, replace it. Install replacement bearings into the steering column and reattach the securing bolt.
Reattach the bearing retainer, snap ring and black turn signal ring.
Reattach the turn signal switch and steering column shrouds. Reinstall the air bag and reconnect the battery. Close the hood.
