Loose Steering Column
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
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From: Florissant, MO
Loose Steering Column I have mentioned this to a few people and even showed it to a couple but can't get a definitive answer. Not long after I purchased my 2001 T/A I had to take it back to the dealer to have them fix the wipers. When they replaced the multi-function switch I believe they forgot to tighten something back up. If they didn't do this then it is one hell of a coincidence. If you put both hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 and pull down slightly the wheel and column shift down and to the left to about the 7:30 or 8 area of the wheel. I am not 100% sure on this but it really doesn't seem to be getting any worse and it has been almost 1 year since I first noticed it.
Any suggestions or advice on what this may be and if it is something that needs to be fixed would be appreciated.
The car drives fine and there is really no play in the steering just this annoying movement of the wheel and column.
Any suggestions or advice on what this may be and if it is something that needs to be fixed would be appreciated.
The car drives fine and there is really no play in the steering just this annoying movement of the wheel and column.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Florissant, MO
How do I go about fixing this? I was thinking that because it was in the shop and they worked on something on the column I could get them to fix it for free. The only reason it was in the shop in the first place was because it was still under their 5 day bumper to bumper used car warranty. I have no problem working on the car but I don't want to just tear into this thing and mess it up worse. Thank you in advance for your help.
The screws he is talking about were never exposed during the replacement of the multifunction switch.
To get to the screws it is a pain unless you are into tearing down your column.
To get to the screws it is a pain unless you are into tearing down your column.
http://www.superchevy.com/tech/sucp_...umn/index.html
Again, this problem is NOT related to the repair the dealer made to the multifunction switch. You may however want to check your local vehicle inspection laws. Play in the column will fail the mandatory safety inspection here in Maryland.
Again, this problem is NOT related to the repair the dealer made to the multifunction switch. You may however want to check your local vehicle inspection laws. Play in the column will fail the mandatory safety inspection here in Maryland.
I did this fix a long time ago and it was a pain in the ***. The tilt column spring is hell to get back in. I didn't need the pivot pin tool. Made my own.
I STILL have some play but it is in the pawls and their springs.
I STILL have some play but it is in the pawls and their springs.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Modesto CA
pretty simple i had the same problem on my camaro the column was loose u have to take out the whole steering wheel and the airbag which means b4 u do all that make sure u have the battery out completly disconnect it there are like 4 bolts where u can tighten the steering column or should i say the tilt right where the tilt part of the column is i didnt do it i had my mechanic do it for me
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
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From: Florissant, MO
I have just heard that if you are not careful with the connections and such when removing or replacing the airbags you could cause them to blow. I know you are supposed to have the battery disconnected and have the fuses pulled for safe measure but the damn things just freak me out.
Supposedly, there is power in the airbag module for about 10 seconds after key off. You are supposed to unhook the battery but I never have. I would with a faulty system but never my car. I figure with a faulty system I could get popped in the face at any time anyways.
But like I have said I have worked with airbags alot handling them in and out of cars and never gotten hurt. The power to set off the airbag is pretty great. The airbag module is 28v? and people hook them to batteries to set them off.
I guess static could set off the airbag but never happened to me. One thing I ALWAYS do is put the metal part down. NEVER NEVER put the vinyl cover down. That is asking for a missile should it ever ignite.
One other thing I would never do is handle an ignited airbag, put a towel in my head, and then walk into airport. That would get you f'ed up pretty fast.
But like I have said I have worked with airbags alot handling them in and out of cars and never gotten hurt. The power to set off the airbag is pretty great. The airbag module is 28v? and people hook them to batteries to set them off.
I guess static could set off the airbag but never happened to me. One thing I ALWAYS do is put the metal part down. NEVER NEVER put the vinyl cover down. That is asking for a missile should it ever ignite.
One other thing I would never do is handle an ignited airbag, put a towel in my head, and then walk into airport. That would get you f'ed up pretty fast.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
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From: Florissant, MO
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Florissant, MO
::UPDATE::
Just for grins I went to the local Pontiac dealership and asked them for an estimate to repair the loose column. They want $600.00 to fix it. I laughed in the guys face and left. $600.00??? Are you kidding me?
Just for grins I went to the local Pontiac dealership and asked them for an estimate to repair the loose column. They want $600.00 to fix it. I laughed in the guys face and left. $600.00??? Are you kidding me?
You can attempt to repair it yourself or there is a guy you can ship it to. I found him on the net. He charges 70 dollars plus parts. you pay shipping both ways. He is out of fort wayne ind I believe
or you could try to buy another column off of a forum member.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
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From: Florissant, MO
I appreciate that. I may try to tackle it myself this summer. If not I will have some buddies come over and give me a hand. I don't want to spend $600 for anything that would take them 45 minutes to an hour.
Well since you have decided to do it yourself you might want to brush up on this good article.
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html
sorry for withholding that link so long. it was lost on one of my work computers.
This part is your objective.
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html
sorry for withholding that link so long. it was lost on one of my work computers.
This part is your objective.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Florissant, MO
Thank you. That guy said he also did an article about the wobbly wheel. Do you have that one. This article was very informative. I figure I shouldn't have any issues following his instruction.
