Steering Column is loose

[xblazinlv]

My steering column has a lot of play in it, you can wiggle it around all over the place. It doesn't affect steering, but it is an anoyance and can be dangerous if someone else drives the truck. I don't know exactly what is causing it however... could it be the tilt wheel steering is broken?


Mike

 

[turbodog]

Possibly, but first check this:
remove plastic panel just below the steering column
there is a stamped steel bracket, welded to the column, which bolts to the underside of the dash. are the 4 bolts tight?

 

[Tydriver]

BTDT

Seems to be a common problem with GM colums of the era. I have personally fixed 3 that had similar problems.

There are 4 bolts that are DEEP inside the column, I wont lie they are a PITA to get to. They are about as far as a person can go into the column with the unit still in the vehicle.

You will need a steering wheel puller, and alot of patience. The bolts in question are very odd bolts, they are TORX head bolts and they come loose. I have removed each bolt individually and lock-tite'd them and re-installed, good to go. Get your self a manual and a wheel puller and an after noon to do it. U need to go all the way into the column. The items like the turn signals, the lock cylinder all need to come out. Excercise some patience and it will be OK.

 

[rockvillespeed]

fix it!
it'll fail catastrophically eventually.
you also need a couple other special tools, recalling a shitty long nite doing mine.
there's a little set of pin pullers u need, and a lock plate remover tool.
all commonly available.

 

[syclonekid43]

i remeber doing the same to mine. i was only able to get to 3 of the bolts. i was getting pissed and 3 bolts held it tight. so i left it at that. never had a problem since.

 

[xblazinlv]

i remeber doing the same to mine. i was only able to get to 3 of the bolts. i was getting pissed and 3 bolts held it tight. so i left it at that. never had a problem since.

Was it a pain in the ass to get to? How long did it take?


Mike

 

[syclonekid43]

i was at it for a bout 1 1/2 hours. i got pissed off and had the guy that works at my shop play with it. there were a few more parts i had to get out to get to the last bolt. but i was scared with my luck i might break everything. it was done about 2 years ago and has not come loose again.
but i say it was more that a PITA. it was hell. lus it was the first time i ever did one. now i know it was the last ot.

 

[xblazinlv]

Do you know any manuals or guides anyone has wrote about taking apart the dash and steering column? Or did you just go by ear?


Mike