steering column parts
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
steering column parts
glad to be a new member, I have a 77 corvette with major steering column problems. I recently purchased a couple parts books and cant find what I need.something is wrong at where it tilts, wiggles back and forth real bad. previous owner broke off everything but turn signal and its ruff,would like to replace whole column but hard to find, any help would be great,thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
My 77 tilt column was bad too. I just installed a non-tilt column from a 1976... it fit OK but there will be some wiring changes required since 1977 is the first year of wipers/high beams in the column. here's also an extra lever on the 76 column for ignition lock... it needs to be fixed in the full up position or you will be unable to remove your key. I don't have the engine/trans back in mine yet so I haven't worried about the wiring yet but I'll get it figured out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 432
From: Seattle Area WA
You need Jim Shea's steering papers and tighten up that column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev03no2009.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev03no2009.pdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
You need Jim Shea's steering papers and tighten up that column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev03no2009.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev03no2009.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 838
From: WI
I can tell you this: the place to buy steering column parts is http://www.natauto.com/. They should have the parts you need. Plus they are a fraction of the price of any Corvette catalog outfit. In fact, they have a lot of doo-dads that the Corvette parts catalogs sell for 3x the price. They even sell to some of the Corvette outfits according to the owner who I've talked to.
The problem you have is that the holes where the pins connect the upper and lower column sections has worn, or, if you're lucky, one of the pins just vibrated out and you can reconnect it. You're probably going to have to replace the cast piece, or, if you are crafty you might just re-drill the holes oversized and make your own pins from a bolt. This areas is pre-loaded with a spring and it's not uncommon for these columns to wear like this over time. You'll have to remove it and completely disassemble it. You'll be suprised how many parts are in a GM steering column, but overall if you take your time, it's not that hard. While you are in there, I'd encourage you to replace some other parts associated with the key cylinder movement and maybe a new turn signal cam piece. Good luck.
Mark G
The problem you have is that the holes where the pins connect the upper and lower column sections has worn, or, if you're lucky, one of the pins just vibrated out and you can reconnect it. You're probably going to have to replace the cast piece, or, if you are crafty you might just re-drill the holes oversized and make your own pins from a bolt. This areas is pre-loaded with a spring and it's not uncommon for these columns to wear like this over time. You'll have to remove it and completely disassemble it. You'll be suprised how many parts are in a GM steering column, but overall if you take your time, it's not that hard. While you are in there, I'd encourage you to replace some other parts associated with the key cylinder movement and maybe a new turn signal cam piece. Good luck.
Mark G
Last edited by Mark G; May 21, 2012 at 10:20 PM.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Not sure if you want to replace the whole column or not. I had the same issue and replaced mine on my 1980 a couple of years ago. I bought it from columnsgalore.com. Been great since the replacement. http://www.columnsgalore.com/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 115
From: Saginaw Michigan
First of all, I am assuming that you have a tilt & telescoping steering column. (You failed to mention the type of column - which is very important!) So let's assume that it is a T&T.
Other than starting from scratch, you might be best served by sending your steering column to a rebuilder like Steering Columns Galore. They won't be cheap but they will do a good job. Another would be GM Tilt Strg Column Service. There have been a few other people that have been mentioned on this forum as being able to refurbish C3 steering columns but the names escape me at the moment.
First of all, I believe that the major part of your looseness problem is probably the four screws that attach the tilt support to the steering column jacket. That's the good news. The bad news is that you have to disassemble the whole upper end of your steering column in order to reach those four screws.
The really tough part is that you really need to study a steering column blowup and carefully disassemble your steering column so as to find and identify any broken parts.
Jim
Other than starting from scratch, you might be best served by sending your steering column to a rebuilder like Steering Columns Galore. They won't be cheap but they will do a good job. Another would be GM Tilt Strg Column Service. There have been a few other people that have been mentioned on this forum as being able to refurbish C3 steering columns but the names escape me at the moment.
First of all, I believe that the major part of your looseness problem is probably the four screws that attach the tilt support to the steering column jacket. That's the good news. The bad news is that you have to disassemble the whole upper end of your steering column in order to reach those four screws.
The really tough part is that you really need to study a steering column blowup and carefully disassemble your steering column so as to find and identify any broken parts.
Jim
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
I can tell you this: the place to buy steering column parts is http://www.natauto.com/. They should have the parts you need. Plus they are a fraction of the price of any Corvette catalog outfit. In fact, they have a lot of doo-dads that the Corvette parts catalogs sell for 3x the price. They even sell to some of the Corvette outfits according to the owner who I've talked to.
The problem you have is that the holes where the pins connect the upper and lower column sections has worn, or, if you're lucky, one of the pins just vibrated out and you can reconnect it. You're probably going to have to replace the cast piece, or, if you are crafty you might just re-drill the holes oversized and make your own pins from a bolt. This areas is pre-loaded with a spring and it's not uncommon for these columns to wear like this over time. You'll have to remove it and completely disassemble it. You'll be suprised how many parts are in a GM steering column, but overall if you take your time, it's not that hard. While you are in there, I'd encourage you to replace some other parts associated with the key cylinder movement and maybe a new turn signal cam piece. Good luck.
Mark G
The problem you have is that the holes where the pins connect the upper and lower column sections has worn, or, if you're lucky, one of the pins just vibrated out and you can reconnect it. You're probably going to have to replace the cast piece, or, if you are crafty you might just re-drill the holes oversized and make your own pins from a bolt. This areas is pre-loaded with a spring and it's not uncommon for these columns to wear like this over time. You'll have to remove it and completely disassemble it. You'll be suprised how many parts are in a GM steering column, but overall if you take your time, it's not that hard. While you are in there, I'd encourage you to replace some other parts associated with the key cylinder movement and maybe a new turn signal cam piece. Good luck.
Mark G
