"loose" tilt steering column

[Reaper1]

OK, I have an issue that I'm not too familier with. My steering column on my '88 Shelby Z has recently become "loose" for a lack of a better term. It is a tilt column and at the part where it tilts, even if it's locked, the wheel still moves up and down a good bit, and also has a very minimal lateral play to it. I don't remember it ever doing this, and it is less than comfidence inspiring to say the least.

Anybody have any suggestions as to what could be causing this and/or solutions to the problem?

[GLHNSLHT2]

there's a thread here somewhere with some good links to fix it. Do you have an FSM? Basically you have to tear the whole thing down till you can see the 4 bolts holding the tilt mechanism to the rest of the column. They're torx and I'd advise trying to get them out before tightening them. Replace them with a socketheaded cap screw where you can get the ball end of a allen wrench down in there and tighten them up with some loc-tite.

[Reaper1]

Ah..ok. Hmm..I have another column at a friend's house..I might just swap the whole thing. I've heard that tearing down steering columns is no fun at all. I personally don't have a FSM, but I think I know somebody that does...

I'll look for the thread and see if I can find it.

Thanks

[charger R/T]

I'm pretty sure the links have all gone dead. I looked a while ago to link it for someone else. I did find some on the internet. Basicly do a search for a GM tilt column. It is the same column with a mopar key. Its only about an hour long job and the column can stay in the car. You will need a puller and lock plate tool. I think one of the loose bolts is almost impossible to get to but getting the others tight will work. If you can, lock tite them in.
Tim

[charger R/T]

here these might help. Its been many years since I had a GM column apart.
Tilt Steering Column Wobble
I have a 1988 Chevy Astro with a loose steering column. Any ideas how to fix it? - Yahoo!7 Answers
Tim

[charger R/T]

best one I found yet it just has an aftermarket steering wheel on it once the adapter in this article is off it will look identical.
Tilt Steering Column - Super Chevy Magazine
Tim

[Polygon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper1 Ah..ok. Hmm..I have another column at a friend's house..I might just swap the whole thing. I've heard that tearing down steering columns is no fun at all. I personally don't have a FSM, but I think I know somebody that does... I'll look for the thread and see if I can find it. Thanks

Well. I've done this and it will take you an hour or so. There are three bolts that have come loose. One is easy to get to and the other two are a PITA. I coated mine in Locktite just in case. To prevent it from happening again release the tilt gently.

However, it would take about the same time to swap a column so I think your time would be better spent swapping.

If you still want to tighten the bolts just let me know and I can take the time to post up instructions.

[85lebaront2]

The hardest part of the job is removing the wheel and lock plate under it. The rest is pretty straight forward.

[JrVipr]

Not really a bad job to do.You do need the lock plate tool and the pivot pin one. I have done these a bunch of times but now its been aswhile. lol. Only thing you have to really remember is which way the key buzzer spring thingy goes in.

[t-1 LeBaron 5sp]

If you replace the column make sure someone has already tightened the bolts with locktite or the replacement column will loosen up also. If you decide to tighten the bolts, do all 4.

[Reaper1]

OK..that really helps out! I might try this next week if I get a chance. I'll be sure to take it easy on the thing for now, knowing what the issue is.

Thanks for the help!

[GLHNSLHT2]

You don't need a lock ring tool or pin removal tool. Just push down on the piece the lock ring holds and pick it out with a pick, it's a pain but better than trying to find a tool. Also the pins can be wiggled out with a small straightslot screwdriver and a bit of jiggling of the tilt mechanism.

[Polygon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by t-1 LeBaron 5sp If you replace the column make sure someone has already tightened the bolts with locktite or the replacement column will loosen up also. If you decide to tighten the bolts, do all 4.

Not necissarily. My old '89 GTC had a rock solid column and it was never tightened. As long as you don't release the tilt by just pulling the lever it will NOT loosen. Just be gentle and it will be fine.

As for the tool to compress the lock plate spring. You can get them at Checker for like $12.

[Reaper1]

OK, I did the repair yesterday with the help of a couple of friends. I'm GLAD I had that help! What a PITA!! Two hours??? Maybe if you've done them a WHOLE lot!

Firstly...with my experience, you WILL NOT depress the lock plate by hand. I'm not weakling, but that sucker wouldn't budge! Glad I bought the tool.

Secondly, the stupid lock ring was a B@STARD to get out! I'll admit we didn't have a pick set, but still!! It took a while to get it.

Third, you are not going to get those tilt pins out by wiggling them with a screwdriver! Not in my car anyways! Those buggers were PRESSED in! Again, glad I bought the tool.

Oh, and finding the Saginaw tilt pin tool: NAPA wants $26 and they only had 2 in Jacksonville(which is no small town). Pep Boys had one on the rack: $8. I say $8 well spent!

I did eventually admit defeat and took the entire column out of the car. We tore the thing down and regreased everything, and then put it back together. That was no fun at all!!

Anyways, I took some pictures of some of the work. I'll try and post them when I can. All in all, the job just wasn't any fun. We got it done, and the sterring feels AWSOME!! We replaced the turn signal stalk while we were there. That made a huge difference in itself!

If anybody else needs some tips or something I'll try to help out with that. The posted links above were a HUGE help! Thanks for that!