Overview
The Crown Automotive J0801422 is an upper steering column bearing for early Jeep CJ and Willys models. It is a direct fit for 1941–1971 CJ3, CJ5, CJ6, Willys CJ-2 and Willys MB vehicles, and it is intended for 4-cylinder engines.
Owners of early CJ and Willys vehicles should match the year range and engine note to their own vehicle before fitting this bearing.
Key features
- Upper steering column bearing position
- For 4-cylinder engines
- Eleven vehicle entries on the manufacturer fitment list
- Part number J0801422 with UPC 848399053470
Bearing wear on early CJs
The upper steering column bearing supports the column where it passes through the body, so it carries the weight and rotation of the steering wheel without letting the column wander. On early CJs and Willys vehicles, that bearing is often original, which means it has spent decades around heat, dust and moisture. Wear shows up as a wobbly steering wheel, a rattle when turning, or a column that seems to move under hand pressure.
Replacing the bearing is easier when the steering column is supported and the wheel is removed first. Clean the housing and check the column for scoring or bends before fitting the new part, since a bent column will wear a new bearing quickly. Use fresh grease sparingly and keep it off the rubber seals. On older vehicles, check the column bushings and nearby hardware at the same time, because a loose connection often feels like a bad bearing.
- Check the column for wobble by hand
- Inspect the housing for cracks or wear
- Recheck steering play after the first drive
Specifications
| Brand | Crown Automotive |
|---|---|
| Part number | J0801422 |
| UPC | 848399053470 |
| Position | Upper |
| Engine note | 4 cylinder engine |
| Part type | Steering column bearing |
Vehicle fitment
The manufacturer list includes 1959–1960 and 1966 Jeep CJ3, 1959–1971 Jeep CJ5 and CJ6, 1966–1968 Jeep CJ5A and CJ6A, 1946–1949 Willys CJ-2, 1949–1958 Willys CJ-3, 1955–1958 Willys CJ-5, 1956–1958 Willys CJ-6, 1949–1951 Willys Jeepster and 1941–1942 Willys MB.
CJ7 and later Jeep models are not on this list. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
What’s included
Check the package contents against your installation before starting.
