Ser 3 steering column bearing

[Paulusgnome]

How can I remove the top bearing, before shot blasting the column?

[Andyf]

inserting a tube of slightly smaller diameter in the bottom of the column and tapping the tube is one method. PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRIKE THE STEERING LOCK

[dickie]

I use an internal bearing puller with slide hammer attachment. I must say, it's extremely hard work and I'd probably be better of using the pipe method AndyF mentions, but it's an option if you have one.