Steering bushing

[flaflier]

I have a question on the steering bushing (ERA154), the bushing that supports the steering shaft as it goes into the footbox.



As you can see, mine is a bit beat up, my question is, it it supposed to have a vertical split where the arrow is, or is that a crack and it needs to be replaced? I tend to lean toward a crack, but I figured I would ask.

Thanks,

Jim

[strictlypersonl]

The crack is normal. A little weird, but that's how they get the ball into the housing. The irregularity of the fracture stabilizes the housing when it's put in a tight mounting.

[flaflier]

Thanks Bob, once I got it cleaned up, it looked like it was supposed to be there. Any particular grease needed, or wheel bearing is fine?

Jim

[strictlypersonl]

Theoretically, the shaft is supposed to rotate in the bronze bushing rather than the spherical bearing. I would leave the latter dry, and put a couple of drops of oil on the bronze bushing. It's an Oilite-type, so it absorbs oil.

[flaflier]

Yea, that wasn't happening! That's why I took the bushing out in the first place, I couldn't get the shaft out! Bushing looks to be in good condition, a few minor scratches, but nothing major.
With the new steering shaft, it should now work as designed!

Thanks again Bob,

Jim