New guy question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
New guy question
Hey all, been shopping for a C4 for the past few months. I've seen a number of cars, however, they have all had what feels like a lot of play in the steering column. If you pull down to the left, it shifts the wheel pretty substantially in my mind. My buddy has a C3, and that wheel doesn't move at all, just like a modern car. My question is - in order to be comfy that I won't have to replace a steering column, should it have no play at all? I know this is a soft spot on these cars, but I don't have enough experience to know what is acceptable and what needs attention. Thank you in advance. - Craig
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As mentioned there should be no play. The knuckle that provides the tilt capability is made of aluminum but the hinge pin is steel. Guess what wears first. Repair parts are less than $150 but the repair involves removal of the steering column and disassembling the area around the knuckle. Not a bad job but some small parts that need to be finessed perfectly when reassembling the column.
This is a very common issue. I have done it before and it is 6-8 hours if you know what you are doing.
This is a very common issue. I have done it before and it is 6-8 hours if you know what you are doing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,340
Likes: 2,272
From: Central Maryland
And when you find a C4 that has a tight tilt mechanism (or after you repair yours), do NOT use the steering wheel to help you into or out of the car. That is what most often damages these mechanisms. They are not robust enough to support the weight of your body.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Thanks Fiberbundle. That's a job that doesn't appeal to me. I'm very mechanically inclined, but my auto repair experience is extremely limited.
SJW - thanks, I watched Brad Hansen's video, and it's not too bad getting in and out, even at 46 with a fused spine.
SJW - thanks, I watched Brad Hansen's video, and it's not too bad getting in and out, even at 46 with a fused spine.
