dm575

Damn, just as the weather is picking up and after a winter of new injectors, full service etc etc my 91 Coupe has failed the UK MOT on excessive play in the steering column/wheel.
Found the excellent thread by Gear Jammer but still looks like a complicated fix with the added pain of getting parts over here....

Looks like the Z28 will be out when the sun shines

BGZQ8

How many miles are on that 91 ?

dm575

105K, Its been maintained well and was fine on every other check but I think someone has been hanging on the steering wheel while climbing in and out over the years.

gerardvg

It is a common problem that the steering column knuckle gets worn, in some cases like happened to my vette the whole lot moved side to side and up and down. Below is what is needed to fix that..
(if your steering wheel and column moves the same)

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1990-1996...item27c4db9395

yd328

Another problem that I see happen to the GM columns is 3 bolts that come loose and need to be tightened. You have to remove the steering wheel and turn signal switch to get at them. They are inverted torx bolts, one of which I had to grind down a socket to make it fit in the column.

ricasso

Just had mine fixed at Claremont Corvette this week! it needed the two pins, which they turn up themselves, so parts not a problem,and about 1/2 a days labour, its a repair they specialise in so you know your getting a good job done! I would definitely recommend them..

dm575

Thanks for the replies, I've removed the column so will prob contact Claremont for a quote to rebuild it.

dm575

Got the column stripped down and the wear is in the outer/upper casting. The pins are tight in the inner/lower part. Got a friend who is looking at reaming the holes and making some oversized pins. Fingers crossed, if it all goes back together without problems I could be back on the road this w/e

rad928music

You hit the nail on the head.

On a side note I just replaced mine with one from Ebay.
I read allot about how to take these Columns apart and was scared it was difficult.

I just took my old one apart and couldnt believe how easy it is.
Now im going to rebuild it and sell or keep it for a spare.

ricasso

Hope it goes well for you mate,hopefully you'll get it sorted in time to enjoy some warm weather driving this weekend!

mixalive

That is a great idea to make oversize pins. I had replaced the knuckle on my 92 a couple of years ago @ 70k for the same issues but with new parts. Very expensive.. I permanently removed the tilt lever and move my seat back to get out of the car. But next time will make oversize pins..

dm575

Well after much cussing and many hours its back together. Over size pins and the holes drilled out by about 0.5 mm. Haven't tested things yet but fingers crossed. The slack has definitely been sorted.

If anyone else is attempting this then I found a couple of other excellent pages with good info.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/general-ma...oval-pics.html

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

I love these forums.