Steering Column Replacement? Help

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Apr 5, 2013 | 05:45 PM

fatboywilly

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From: Evansville IN

Steering Column Replacement? Help

How difficult is it to replace a complete steering column in a 90 coupe, automatic? Is the column the same for the auto and stick? Any help or advice is appreciated. Thanks

Apr 5, 2013 | 06:34 PM

mtwoolford

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From: folsom california

replaced the column in a 96 manual; helped to have a second set of hands when inserting the lower end of the column into the intermediate shaft knuckle (between the column and the steering rack) wasn't hard otherwise. Apparently standard column and automatic columns have some minor differences, just what, I couldn't say. Did have a factory service manual on hand..always a good idea when working on these cars.

Apr 5, 2013 | 06:39 PM

WVZR-1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mtwoolford

There is a difference in an A4 and an M6 column. Which do you have and do you know which you bought? The one you bought should have an orange/green/red label on it with a part number - post that and it can be identified!

An M6 ignition cylinder will have a "button" that needs depressed to rotate back to lock but if it's a used column who knows where it's been!

The replacement is quite straight forward - depending upon how complete the column is that you bought! Did you get a key with it?

Apr 6, 2013 | 08:43 AM

Purple92

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I've pulled and replaced the column in a 92 - 6 Speed. It wasn't too bad to get out-the biggest part of the job was getting everything under the dash out of the way. You'll need two people to get the column back in (not necessarily highly skilled people) - you need to simultaneously align the shaft with the rack, and get the interior bolts attached.

GOOD LUCK !!!

Apr 6, 2013 | 01:28 PM

fatboywilly

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From: Evansville IN

My column is a 1990 automatic. The one I'm looking at is a 91 ZR 1 manual shift. It will come with keys. Will this just be a plug and play replacement?

Apr 6, 2013 | 02:07 PM

WVZR-1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by fatboywilly

My column is a 1990 automatic. The one I'm looking at is a 91 ZR 1 manual shift. It will come with keys. Will this just be a plug and play replacement?

Not "plug and play". The air bag coil/clock spring is different and the M6 column has no provisions for the shift-lock cable and hardware. You would need to swap the air-bag coil for sure and I've never attempted the M6 to an A4 but I would think if you have a key for the M6 you could maybe go with it understanding you loose the shift-lock function. Swap lock cylinders to retain yours I would think you could also do. You could use the parts from one to the other for an overhaul depending on your needs.

What's broken in yours?

Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 6, 2013 at 02:09 PM.

Apr 6, 2013 | 02:25 PM

fatboywilly

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From: Evansville IN

I just have play in the tilt mechanism. Wheel can move maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

Apr 6, 2013 | 02:39 PM

WVZR-1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by fatboywilly

I just have play in the tilt mechanism. Wheel can move maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

Everything you need could be moved from column to column no doubt. There's numerous tutorials explaining the procedure and you-tube videos also. There's minimal specialty tools required and I believe most Advance/AutoZone stores loan those needed. The column could stay in the car and the '91 just locked in a vise to secure it.

Maybe it's time to sit back watch some videos and see how you might want to proceed.