Before removing any steering column upper bearing you must remove the steering wheel. For most cars this involves removing the horn cover first. First, turn the wheel straight, then disconnect the battery. Pry up the ends of the horn cover with a screwdriver and pull the cover off of the vehicle carefully. Remove the horn connection or plunger by removing any screws and pulling out from the wheel. Now locate any screws attaching a horn plate or other assembly on the steering wheel. Once that is complete, remove the nut that holds the steering wheel to the shaft. Use the proper size wrench and loosen the nut. Then remove the steering wheel.
To get at some upper bearings you need to remove the devices attached to the steering column. This includes the turn signals, ignition, wiper blade controls, tilt handle, and in some cases the plastic housing around the column. The column housing removes by loosening the screws and then pulling off the housing. The devices will unscrew, or be detached by a series of rings. Once the devices are off the column you can begin to remove the locking springs.
Locate the springs and rings that are attached to the steering column. This includes the lock sector retaining ring, lock shaft and many others that could be part of your steering assembly. You will have to work carefully, and follow the vehicle manual if one is provided, as each model vehicle is different. Generally, you will remove a locking bolt using a socket wrench, the rack that holds the locking mechanism and the springs that sit on the preload. There is also a shim device that attaches most steering columns. Working around the tilt device is the hardest part of getting to most upper bearings.
Once the tilt device is off (pins removed and mechanism released), the final step is to remove the lock shoe. This comes off by removing a series of pins, then taking the shoe off. The upper bearings are located under this show lock. They can be removed by pulling them out with a screwdriver or by tapping them from underneath with a plastic mallet.
