Loose steering column/wheel
05-14-2007, 09:05 PM
#1
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Loose steering column/wheel My steering column / wheel is slightly loose so that if you push at the bottom there will be some play in the wheel. (enough to cause me to fail inspection 
)
I checked the bolts of the steering column into the firewall but that does not appear to be the issue. The issue seems to be higher up the column / near the wheel.
It looks like I'm going to have to take apart the steering column. Is there a good write up somewhere about this? Do I need a specific tool to remove the steering wheel or can I use a pretty generic steering wheel tool?
Are bolts normally loose and bearings worn out or what's the deal?
)I checked the bolts of the steering column into the firewall but that does not appear to be the issue. The issue seems to be higher up the column / near the wheel.
It looks like I'm going to have to take apart the steering column. Is there a good write up somewhere about this? Do I need a specific tool to remove the steering wheel or can I use a pretty generic steering wheel tool?
Are bolts normally loose and bearings worn out or what's the deal?
05-15-2007, 07:14 PM
#4
The play in the column comes from the tilt assembly. The bolts in the tilt assembly of the column like to back out and cause play. The good news: its a cheap fix, no parts needed. Just retorque the bolts. The bad news: getting to the bolts is a PITA!
07-17-2007, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by nickx07
bump..i was wondering, is this the problem you have when you grip the wheel at 12 and 6, then the wheel would move up and down?
04-18-2008, 03:14 PM
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i know the thread is old but can someone chime in on how to get to the bolts on the tilt steering column , my car has the same problem and i know its more than like loose bolts or they are missing
thanks for the help
frank
thanks for the help
frank
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04-21-2008, 07:57 PM
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Quite the procedure! Thanks GM for not using thread locker or hey, here's an idea... a frigging lock washer!!
sheeshI guess if I finish the 20 other projects that take priority over this one, maybe someday my steering column tilt will get tightened up!
09-14-2008, 06:26 PM
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I'm with you W06gto I just noticed play too and will most likely just pay them, I just don't have the time I used to have, I actually had to do this on an 80's corvette, I had let it go too long and broke some retaining ears in the column had to take the entire thing apart. real PITA . Locktight would save many of us a lot of grief
09-14-2008, 08:06 PM
#13
My steering column / wheel is slightly loose so that if you push at the bottom there will be some play in the wheel. (enough to cause me to fail inspection )
I checked the bolts of the steering column into the firewall but that does not appear to be the issue. The issue seems to be higher up the column / near the wheel.
It looks like I'm going to have to take apart the steering column. Is there a good write up somewhere about this? Do I need a specific tool to remove the steering wheel or can I use a pretty generic steering wheel tool?
Are bolts normally loose and bearings worn out or what's the deal?
)I checked the bolts of the steering column into the firewall but that does not appear to be the issue. The issue seems to be higher up the column / near the wheel.
It looks like I'm going to have to take apart the steering column. Is there a good write up somewhere about this? Do I need a specific tool to remove the steering wheel or can I use a pretty generic steering wheel tool?
Are bolts normally loose and bearings worn out or what's the deal?
09-15-2008, 11:52 AM
#14
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I would say most of the time its the loose bolts, after all how much to do use the tilt 
, I went thru this before on a early 80's vette took the column out and I used lock tight never had a issue again. My wheel was tight till last week on the way home from Ohio I lost a wheel weight on the front. By the time I got home I had about 1/8-1/4 inch play. I guess it will be something to do this winter while she's laid up. or just take it to the dealer and KNOW they will only tighten the 2 bolts not all 4
, I went thru this before on a early 80's vette took the column out and I used lock tight never had a issue again. My wheel was tight till last week on the way home from Ohio I lost a wheel weight on the front. By the time I got home I had about 1/8-1/4 inch play. I guess it will be something to do this winter while she's laid up. or just take it to the dealer and KNOW they will only tighten the 2 bolts not all 4 Last edited by topdj-com; 09-15-2008 at 11:59 AM.
09-15-2008, 12:12 PM
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best documented disassemble its not 100% the same as ours but the tilt has not changed. http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html
look at the backing plate for the 4 bolts, on my vette I waited too long and it broke the ear off the column tube. I took the whole thing out and did what this guy did. But I had to have the ear welded back on.
look at the backing plate for the 4 bolts, on my vette I waited too long and it broke the ear off the column tube. I took the whole thing out and did what this guy did. But I had to have the ear welded back on.
Last edited by topdj-com; 09-15-2008 at 12:19 PM.
