Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

Old 02-03-2009, 12:31 PM
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Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

Well I just noticed my steering column tilt section is loose from side to side and up & down (but not in & out), never noticed before but maybe it's been getting loose for months without me realizing it. Anyways, I need to get it back tight, how much work/time does this involve. Also is there any immediate danger of driving like it is. Later.
Old 02-03-2009, 01:11 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

common problem with all GM cars and tilt, they were to cheap to use locktite and the bolts from the tilt losen and fall out. It can become dangerous.

Mine was so lose when I turned sharp it would turn the car off on me.

once ya get the $5 pivot pin puller its an easy job.
Old 02-03-2009, 01:26 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

https://www.thirdgen.org/steeringcolumn

For $100, I handed a shop my keys, walked home, then 4 hrs later, I walked back over there & drove off. Worth it to me.
Old 02-03-2009, 04:42 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

i agree with stephen i would do the same pay for a shop to do it.
Old 02-04-2009, 02:20 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

Learn from my lesson..... the tow bill sucked. My old 89 Camaro did the same thing after a car show one night..... its no fun when your turn signals point to the roof of the car and your keys are down. Tow bill plus new column= not fun !
Old 02-04-2009, 04:51 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

I agree with Gumby. Get a steering wheel removal tool, a lock plate depressor tool, and read some directions

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/susp..._steering.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html
Old 02-04-2009, 05:32 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

The last one I did the pivot tool broke so I just reached in there with a 1/4 inch socket (I think) and I was able to tighten 3 of the 4 torx bolts. Seems to be working pretty well so far
Old 02-05-2009, 01:43 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

It can be dangerous but its not that big of a deal, I wouldn't pay anyone more then $50 to do it. Its not even hard. Paying $100 is a total rip off.
Old 02-05-2009, 02:41 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

Hey guys I was just thinking, could there have ever been a recall on this issue, that way GM could eat the cost and time to rectify this problem that seems to be common and widespread. Later.
Old 02-05-2009, 04:14 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

nope, only seal belts n gas tank filler neck are the only two active safety recalls, and are for life, you just have to push them by going above the dealers head. Safety recalls never expire.

If ya didn't know its awful quiet toyota has buy back safety recalls on trucks from bad frame rust. Folks are getting $2-3,000 beyond what its worth too as hush money. Find one for cheap and go turn it in for big cash.
Old 02-05-2009, 04:28 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

If your into doing it yourself you can the the steering wheel puller and lock plate depressor from AutoZone's Loan-a-Tool program. Provided you have an AutoZone nearby...

For the pivot pin puller, I had to make a shitty little makeshift one out of a socket, a machine screw, and a washer. It's kind of hard to explain in writing, but if you want to know how I did it, I can take a picture and try to explain. Let me know if you decide to go that route...

As for time, I would think you could definitely do it in an afternoon, it's pretty straight forward with instructions and taking care to note how everything goes together as you take it apart.

But, if it is your daily driver, you may find yourself inclined to just take it to a shop and have them take care of it... Good luck either way.
Old 02-05-2009, 09:30 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

I had this problem in my '92 RS.I didn't think it was any big deal.I took it to my mechanic for some unrelated work (engine and rear suspension) and as I got into the car this was the first thing I noticed-the steering wheel didn't wiggle! He didn't mention this to me at all,but he took care of it for no charge! (okay he may have charged me,but this repair didn't appear on my bill.) I'm glad it got done, and thanks for the heads up!
Old 02-05-2009, 10:20 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

That's cool
I wouldn't mess with an airbag one
Old 02-05-2009, 11:50 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

i got one tight ready to go 100 need your core and key and not a busted up core a good one still i rebuild them if ist loose fine but if were chanchin ww switches mor money
Old 02-06-2009, 06:26 PM
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Re: Loose steering column-- How dangerous is it ?

Originally Posted by blkfirebird91
i agree with stephen i would do the same pay for a shop to do it.
ive had the same problem, but i fixed it myself, it was p PITA and time consuming but i know it was done right, i do not trust auto shops around my area.

My brother is a certified mechanic at a local GOODYEAR TIRE, ive heard stories.
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