patrick1974

Hello all, I think I posted this in the wrong forum earlier, I have a 1980 Corvette with tilt telescopic steering. when I bought it there was a lot of play (scary amount) in both the tilt part of the column and the steering wheel itself. I was able to tighten the tilt part of the column by taking the column down past the ignition and tightening the screws at the pivot, I also replaced the bearing about the "cylinder" that the hub connects to - after putting it all back together, the tilt column is fine now - however the steering wheel is still really loose, I have taken it apart three times and I have done more damage to the column looking for the problem (the older plastic pieces started breaking and I had to replace them one by one) nothing has fixed the play in the steering wheel itself - or the internal "cylinder" which I thought replacing the bearing would do.

before I replace the whole column does anyone have any suggestions?

zwede

Check the steering box. See how much you can move the input shaft on the box without the pitman arm moving.

patrick1974

thanks, if it is one of those two would you suggest then just replacing the column? I am at the point where every little thing is adding up and I found completely new T/T columns for under $800 - I just dont know how difficult that would be to replace

zwede

The steering box is not part of the column, it just attaches to the end via the rag joint. Btw, you also need to check if the rag joint is torn, very common problem and gives tons of play when it's bad. Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth (with engine turned off) and look at the end of the column (in engine compartment), rag joint, and steering box input shaft. The input shaft to the box should move exactly as the steering wheel does.

The column is pretty easy to replace, btw.

calwldlife

if i read it right?
it is not a steering wheel that moves side to side but
turning doesn't get to the steering box
as it should?
2 different problems.
get a helper and see what is going on.

patrick1974

You were right, its the rag joint - I have never replaced one before, should be an interesting adventure!

patrick1974

the problem was the rag joint, I just checked it - I am not a mechanic so this has been a very interesting experience - time to see how difficult it is to replace.

0Willcox Corvette

It's not hard to replace this... but just know there is nothing available like the original joint... I'm working (trying to) with a company right now to find the correct reinforced material. But for now all you can do is purchase the "Help" brand 31000 repair kit... it's the same thing you would get from me or any other vendor yet you can purchase this at your local parts store without paying shipping I'm sure. (I'll catch you on something else later).


Willcox

Rescue Rogers

After you fix the rag joint check the steering box, you maybe able to tighten up the bearings without anything more than labor. it will help if there is still slop

patrick1974

I made a video of the issue I am having - not sure if I can upload it here though... is there a place to upload videos on this forum?

patrick1974

addendum, its not just the rag joint - there is something seriously wrong with how loose the wheel seems I made a video of it, but I am not sure I can post it here in the forum

zwede

Put it on youtube. Then when you click "advanced" editing there's a youtube button that takes your youtube link and makes an embedded video of it.

patrick1974

here is a link to the video:

calwldlife

so it was side to side.
bearings in column.
get a new/rebuilt one

corvgreg

If the four 12 point tilt knuckle bolts are tight, next is the plastic sphere at the joint between the upper and lower shaft, and last would be the upper and lower lock housing bearings.

Greg

zwede

Looks like the very top end of the column tube has broken loose/apart. That is the non-moving part of the column that the tilt mechanism bolts into.

I had that happen years ago with similar symptoms. Column has to be completely disassembled and then welded to repair. Or since you said you could get another column that's an option as well.

patrick1974

How difficult (realistically) is it to replace a steering column? time and tools for someone who has never done it before?

zwede

It's easy.

Remove the panel under the column
Remove the air duct (takes a little wrestling)
Remove 2 bolts holding column up + 2 nuts on firewall. Columns tilts down.
Disconnect electrical connectors (one for horn/turn signals, one on ignition switch)
Disconnect rag joint
Pull column out of car.

Might be missing a small thing here and there, but that's about it. Nothing to be scared of.