C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Reconditioned Steering Column

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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 08:00 PM
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Default Reconditioned Steering Column

Has anyone had good luck with a reconditioned steering column? I saw that some are taking about 6 plus hours to fix the pins and tilt steering wobble on a c4 corvette. I am wondering if it would just be easier to replace than repair. Thanks in advance.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Indio Monk
Has anyone had good luck with a reconditioned steering column? I saw that some are taking about 6 plus hours to fix the pins and tilt steering wobble on a c4 corvette. I am wondering if it would just be easier to replace than repair. Thanks in advance.
I don't believe I'd consider it. How bad is yours actually? If the single pin done by a couple vendors accomplishes a satisfactory repair you're all set. If it doesn't then the appropriate repair in a DIY should usually be very cost effective. "Reconditioned" with what type of warranty? That might be the determining factor as to even considering it.

RECONDITIONED is usually a CON by a JY for promoting their used parts.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 08:33 PM
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Did the left pin (usually the one that fails) in under 2 hours with an oversized pin and got rid of the slop
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 09:59 PM
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I had the column in my c4 rebuilt after it locked up and the shop billed me for 3 hours plus parts.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 10:46 PM
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I purchased a 1984 in 2011 and I thought that the column needed rebuilt. Upon tearing it apart we found screws loose in the joint. Tightened them and the wobble was all gone.

It is definitely worth checking before going with a reconditioned column. Good luck with your decision.
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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 09:16 AM
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My steering wheel puller took kit should come in today so I am going to attempt the repair hopefully this weekend! I have been reviewing videos and it seems straight forward. I just need to take pics of every step and work slow and steady. Updates will be coming.

Thanks!
Here is the one I ordered from Amazon for $22
Goplus® 19 Pcs Steering Wheel Remover/Lock Plate Compressor Set
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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 09:32 AM
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http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/GM/Pins/
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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
Thanks Antfarmer2 I am going to pull the column first to verify that I need new pins.

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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Indio Monk
My steering wheel puller took kit should come in today so I am going to attempt the repair hopefully this weekend! I have been reviewing videos and it seems straight forward. I just need to take pics of every step and work slow and steady. Updates will be coming.

Thanks!
Here is the one I ordered from Amazon for $22
Goplus® 19 Pcs Steering Wheel Remover/Lock Plate Compressor Set

Awesome set, I don't know about quality but if your not a professional using it 50 times a year..well even then at that price its great so long as it actually works. I really like the fact that it comes with everything to get the job done. I paid over 22 bucks for the pivot pin remover alone in the early 80's! Snap-on probably sells that kit for $900!
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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Indio Monk
Thanks Antfarmer2 I am going to pull the column first to verify that I need new pins.

I would not do this. We had a few at the factory that went to the training for this as they come in assembled. I believe you may do more harm than good. Either way pull power first and honk the horn. Do not want to get air bagged.
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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 10:20 PM
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Hi

I rebuilt my column myself, was not the pins.
Traced to the steering column metal housing cracked, had to weld it and replaced the race bearings.

Pay particular attention to the disassembly and reassembly take pictures as you go, I removed the whole column and put it in a vice much easier to work on like that.

Do you have a shop manual ?

The pin that locks the gear selector can fall out, let me know if you would like me to add some steering column images from my shop manual on here?

See below the cracked column housing.

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Old Oct 18, 2016 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by gerardvg
Hi

I rebuilt my column myself, was not the pins.
Traced to the steering column metal housing cracked, had to weld it and replaced the race bearings.

Pay particular attention to the disassembly and reassembly take pictures as you go, I removed the whole column and put it in a vice much easier to work on like that.

Do you have a shop manual ?

The pin that locks the gear selector can fall out, let me know if you would like me to add some steering column images from my shop manual on here?


See below the cracked column housing.


Wow that is crazy! Thanks for sharing. I do have the shop manual and I just received my puller in the mail. Will open it up and inspect. I will update with pics hopefully this Saturday. Stay cool down under!

Howdy from Texas.
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