Hi Bob,  I have replaced several on 41-48 vehicles but would guess the 40 is similar.  In each case, the mast jacket (tubed) was removed and a broom stick inserted from the bottom to tap it out.  So you know, reproduction bearings are not the best quality.  If you do try to remove it with the jacket in place, make sure you attach a string to the old wire at the bottom of the jacket so you’ll have a way to guide the new wire in place.  

That said, have you tried adjusting the contact cone on the back of the horn ring for more clearance?  Doing so might clear up the horn issue even with a worn bearing.

Hope this helps,  Mike

Mike, thanks for the note. Have not tried to adjust horn cone since the set screw is frozen but plan to get to that. Got distracted by the extensive bearing play and figured that needed to go. I do take your point on bearing quality but mine has so much play I feel like I should replace it. But I had not thought of just leaving it as is. Do you think if that bearing fails that balls could fall down the tube and cause a bigger problem? What is involved with removing the steering shaft? Does the steering gear box need to come apart? I have no experience in this, as you probably can guess from my questions. And thanks for the tip on the horn wire replacement. I would love to figure a way to get the old bearing out from the top as I worry that getting the steering column out could be a bigger challenge. Your thoughts are most appreciated, regards, Bob

Bob,  Tomorrow I’ll take some pictures of a steering gear/shaft without the mast jacket that may be helpful.  Once the shifter mechanism pieces are detached, the mast jacket slides off.  There should be a clamp at the bottom that secures it to the steering gear.  The trick will be sliding it off without hitting the headliner in the car unless you have a convertible.   I doubt any pieces that may come loose from the bushing will cause any damage.   In the meantime, if you search this phrase on the web you should find many answers to your questions. “Steering mast jacket removal vcca”. Mike

Mike, thanks very much. My e-mail is rbonnaffon@aol.com if it is easier to send the picture as my vcca screen says I'm not allowed to attach files as I have not done the required number of posts.....what ever works and thanks again, Bob

Bob,  Attached are a couple pictures of steering gears with the mast jacket removed. Note the machined area just below where the shaft goes into the gear.  The mast jacket slides over the machined area and is secured with a clamp that is visible.  You could measure the length of the mast jacket and then measure from the threaded end of the shaft to the headliner to determine if there is enough room to remove it.  Loosening the clamp holding the mast jacket to the bottom of the dash should allow it to drop a little for additional distance.  Also removing two of the three bolts holding the steering gear to the frame may allow it to rotate also gaining distance. I doubt any debris from a worn bushing would make its way into the gear box proper.  Hope this helps,  Mike

Mike, thanks a million for all the advice and pics. I apologize for not mentioning earlier that my vehicle is a convertible, so that will be a big help. Your advice and seeing the pics, raises my comfort level a lot about correcting the problem overall, plus scheduling this project for later this winter, while continue enjoying driving the car this summer and fall without worrying about doing damage. In the interim a temporary horn button will be mounted in easy reach for safety in the meantime. Replacement bearing assembly is available from both the Filling Station and Chevs of the 40s, although the quality may not be as strong as an original part.  Thanks again for all your guidance and tips, very much appreciated. Regards, Bob