Steering Column lower bearing re-assembly - did I do it right?

[Lugnutz65]

Hello again everyone!
I need confirmation that I assembled this correctly. I wasn't paying attention when I disassembled it.

So here's the story - I'm in the midst of several "inside" winter projects. This week's project is disassembly and refurbishing my steering column. Tonight I had a small panic attack. I cleaned the outer surfaces of my steering column lower bearing and discovered the felt ring inside with the "C" shaped clip. Curiosity made me try to remove the clip - and I succeeded. I then heard a ball bearing hit the floor and PANIC was my only emotion. I quickly placed the contents of my hands into a basin and crawled around my shop floor until I found the rascal - yes I am sure it was only one. If you saw my shop, you'd immediately know why I panicked.

In my panic and eventual recovery, I never took note of EXACTLY how the bearing was assembled. Rats! More panic - or at least anxiety.

These photos show how I reassembled it. I'd like confirmation from someone here that I did it correctly before I disassemble again and add the grease for the final assembly.

Here are the parts. Bearing cup and race (both in my hand), bearings, felt ring and C clip.



I rolled paper into a cone and placed it inside the bearing cup so the ball bearings would stay in the perimeter of the cup and not fall out.



Then working over a bowl, I slid the race over the tip of the cone and onto the ball bearings. Then I removed the paper cone keeping pressure on the race.



The felt washer and C clip are then worked into place for the final assembly.