land rover series 3 RTC324 - Steering column top bearing does not fit. steering column 22.5mm o/s diamerter
RTC324 - Steering column top bearing is 22mm i/n diameter is there a bearing for an after market steering column ? my landy is off soon for mot. how did you make yours fit? cheers folks

Cant really comment on series 3's but if you have an aftermarket column and if the bearing is thick enough then anyone (competent) with a lathe (or local machine shop) could open it up for you.

I think that there have been a duff batch - I had one a couple of years ago. Replacement fitted without bother.

thanks for your replies will try some very fine emery on the steering column and try and tap down it slowly. as this is the only bearing for the job so sumats not right eh! the bearing its self is a bit rough and this is the second one i'v got you would think they would get it right ???..........let you know how it goes, it has to go on tonight reguardless.

sorted. the reply from kwakerman got me thinking. looked at the inner of the bearing and it wasnt quite true. its pressed steel formed by what must be a badly worn punch so slightly smaller at one end, so not having a lathe (i wish) i took a high tech tool called a dremel (when needs must and all that) to it with a emery cloth round attached and took 0.2mm off it, then honed the steering column to smooth it up a bit. it was still a tight fit so i tapped the bearing into the steering shaft outer, then using an old stub axle tapped it down the column. a 30mins job turned into a pain in the arse by a badly made part. still its sorted now.
many thanks to all
Mik