I removed my Lower Steering Column bearing from my 70. Looking at the original adapter that the bearing seats in (plastic part) it is split. I purchased a new one through gm, all looks the same but without the split. When I try to install my new bearing I can't get it to seat into the adapter (haven't tried a hammer yet lol). Before I go much further wondering if there are any tips to pressing this bearing inside the plastic adapter without splitting it (or is that what I should do).

The Metal retainer on the top fits the new adapter just fine.

Thanks,

Dave