Steering column help
05-17-2014, 08:45 PM
#1
Steering column help Hey guys,
So today I decided to take down and attempt to repair my steering column tilt play where when the wheel is supposed to be locked it will pull down and to the left. From what I read it was just those 4 bolts at the bottom of the shaft, but it seems like its actually has to do with play in the wheel tilt pivoting pins. anyways I'm trying to put everything back together but this small spring? fell out and I have no idea where it goes back in. I think it goes back somewhere to pull the ignition key back from the starting position but I can't figure it out. I already have the little spring similar to this one installed under where that ignition piece slides over. here is a picture. Thanks for the help.
So today I decided to take down and attempt to repair my steering column tilt play where when the wheel is supposed to be locked it will pull down and to the left. From what I read it was just those 4 bolts at the bottom of the shaft, but it seems like its actually has to do with play in the wheel tilt pivoting pins. anyways I'm trying to put everything back together but this small spring? fell out and I have no idea where it goes back in. I think it goes back somewhere to pull the ignition key back from the starting position but I can't figure it out. I already have the little spring similar to this one installed under where that ignition piece slides over. here is a picture. Thanks for the help.
05-18-2014, 01:21 PM
#2
well never figured out that that piece was for.... but everything is back together and it didn't work at first.... until I realized the previous owner already bypassed the VATS so when I fixed the broken VATS wire near the key cylinder that I thought I might have broke while working on it and then it didn't start.... unplugged the cable from below and now it starts. Anyways tightening those 4 bolts at the bottom did not fix my tilt play issue 
big waste of time here. I think I might just take it to the shop and have them take care of it... hopefully won't have to take it to the stealership.
big waste of time here. I think I might just take it to the shop and have them take care of it... hopefully won't have to take it to the stealership.
05-18-2014, 01:45 PM
#3
well never figured out that that piece was for.... but everything is back together and it didn't work at first.... until I realized the previous owner already bypassed the VATS so when I fixed the broken VATS wire near the key cylinder that I thought I might have broke while working on it and then it didn't start.... unplugged the cable from below and now it starts. Anyways tightening those 4 bolts at the bottom did not fix my tilt play issue big waste of time here. I think I might just take it to the shop and have them take care of it... hopefully won't have to take it to the stealership.
big waste of time here. I think I might just take it to the shop and have them take care of it... hopefully won't have to take it to the stealership.would be cheaper to find a good used cloumn
05-19-2014, 11:51 AM
#6
This guide may help. http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
05-19-2014, 02:41 PM
#7
I have the same freaking problem. I paid to have the bolts tightened at a dealership but they weren't loose... another part was worn and the only way to fix it was to replace with an entire new column, which is $1000. I have easy access to a place that parts out wrecked F-bodies locally, but I'm not comfortable being able to verify the same issue doesn't exist on the used part. I'd feel most comfortable shipping the column to a reputable rebuilder as I haven't found any locally.
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05-19-2014, 08:24 PM
#8
I have the same freaking problem. I paid to have the bolts tightened at a dealership but they weren't loose... another part was worn and the only way to fix it was to replace with an entire new column, which is $1000. I have easy access to a place that parts out wrecked F-bodies locally, but I'm not comfortable being able to verify the same issue doesn't exist on the used part. I'd feel most comfortable shipping the column to a reputable rebuilder as I haven't found any locally.
no way we can just get replacement upper and lower housing/assembly's along with a couple of new pivot pins? I'm almost certain those are what is causing the loose tilt issue.If you check out the column in person you should be able to tell if it has the same problem.
05-20-2014, 08:34 AM
#9
The Dealer will always rip us off...
Here's another thread that might be of interest: https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...02-f-body.html
Here's another thread that might be of interest: https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...02-f-body.html
05-20-2014, 11:52 AM
#10
The Dealer will always rip us off...
Here's another thread that might be of interest: https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...02-f-body.html
Here's another thread that might be of interest: https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...02-f-body.html
They had a link to an oversized pin on it where in there it said that a 1/4" movement is normal? WTF? If I had a Zr-1 and it did that I'd be even more pissed! Sometimes you let me down GM
. Anyways I'm going to be taking it to a local mechanics shop and they have machining tools on had too so maybe they will be able to provide a better answer for me.
Thanks for the link wssix99
05-20-2014, 03:34 PM
#11
TECH Regular
You are correct. It would be way easier to put in a good used column than deal with that nightmare of flying parts bullshit. I remember putting in a tilt column in my 71 Camaro as a 17 year old. Less airbags and radio controls these are basically the same columns.
Just one persons opinion.
05-28-2014, 12:03 AM
#12
Decided to take it to my buddies dads shop and I guess he is very familiar with this problem so I let him handle it and he was able to order the lower housing from the dealer for $130 and then had everything installed and done for $330. So I figured that's not too much and still cheaper than a used entire column so that's good.
The original lower housing had the famed egg shaped holes and had to be replaced.
The original lower housing had the famed egg shaped holes and had to be replaced.
05-28-2014, 02:25 PM
#15
TECH Regular
I ended up buying a complete column off of CL for 75 bucks. No play in the tilt pins at all. Out of a 99 T/A.
I got it from the airbag to the intermediate LS1 shaft with key included. It has controls on the wheel mine does not so I will swap that.
Once in a while you can get a deal off of CL.
I got it from the airbag to the intermediate LS1 shaft with key included. It has controls on the wheel mine does not so I will swap that.
Once in a while you can get a deal off of CL.
06-01-2014, 06:16 PM
#19
TECH Regular
Yes I had my 17 year old son lay it on the tailgate with the tilt hanging off. He pinned it down and I tried to move it for slop and verified the tilt and all worked.
