TorchTarga94

So about two years ago I removed the driver side tilt pin in my column and replaced it with an enlarged pin from Marc Haibeck in an effort to reduce the column movement. It helped marginally but not as much as I thought. How much more work is it to remove the passenger side tilt pin and replace it as well? I am assuming the steering wheel will have to come off? Is it that even worth my trouble? I want my steering to feel rock solid.

antfarmer2

Not sure what you paid but the other side is a bit harder and try these.

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/GM/Pins/

TorchTarga94

Yes I realize the other side is a bit harder which is the reason behind this post. just curious how much further I have to dig to replace the passenger side pin.

TorchTarga94

Alright here is a quick video of what I'm dealing with. It's a small amount, maybe a 1/4". Would you guys go through the hassle of replacing tilt knuckles or the column with this much?

https://youtu.be/a7BuvpZphPM

1993C4LT1

I honestly wouldn't. Because to me, pulling the column apart is a PITA. It doesn't look bad at all. I've seen much worse.

antfarmer2

They had a bit when new.

Churchkey

Quick tilt pin fix: Place the pin on a solid surface like a vice anvil & center punch mark a half dozen spots around the pin. The center punch will raise the metal several thou surrounding each mark. Drive the pin back in = done deal.

TorchTarga94

Thanks for the Reply's guys!

Alright well I stripped the column down, pulled the pins, dimpled them as church key suggested (awesome idea), put JB weld on the pins, and reinstalled with a brass punch and a hammer. I let it cure 24 hours. Play is still there!!

So either:
1. The 4 bolts further in the column are loose.
2. Something else is worn
3. It's completely normal
4. It may drive me crazy and I go buy another column only to have the same thing?

Churchkey

Yeah the lower bolts are probably loose. Repaired numerous GM tilt columns in theft vehicles but its been awhile since the last one = memory is fuzzy. Found a video with the procedure.

TorchTarga94

Well, I'm definitely not going to strip the column down again. It's either getting sent out or I'm just going to buy another one that is refurbished. Unless it's not even worth it with the marginal play that i have? Idk I just feel like a sports car should have everything tight and precise.

yd328

I have done a lot of these myself but its been a while. I think it would be worth your time and should tighten it up for you. IIrc you have to grind down the socket you are using to get at one of the bolts.

Gary

TorchTarga94

So after further reading and playing around I think the play is in the detent pawl and not the pins or the bolts. If I place the tilt wheel all the way at the bottom there is maybe an 1/8" of play. If I move the column up one click there is still about an 1/8" of play. If I move the column up one more click the play is completely gone (or nearly gone you really have to push to feel it). If I move the column up another click the 1/8 play returns. Once the column is all the way to the top there is no more play. So, there are 2 positions on the column where there is NO play. The nice thing is that one of the middle positions is where I like to drive and there is NO play. For now, I am going to leave it. An 1/8" worth of play in the other positions is not enough for me to strip the column down and investigate or replace the column all together. I always find myself trying to make something perfect, only to make it worse or cause another problem. For now its "good enough" for me and I'm not sure a refurbished or low mile column would be any better. Would I like it to be perfect in every tilt position? Yes. But, I honestly never adjust the tilt mechanism once it is set anyway.


Thoughts?

antfarmer2

Sounds like new.

TorchTarga94

mike100

There's a little wiggle against the spring and the pawl. just so long as it doesn't travel in that diagonal downward direction, then both pins are tight (or tight enough). actually when on the road, it seems to tighten up...maybe from the road force on the shaft somehow...

I pulled my column to make it easier to work on...you may have seen my posts in searches..there isn't anything easy about the job.

TorchTarga94

That's good to hear. According to Marc Haibeck 1/4" of play is acceptable in a new column. The play I have now is straight up and down no more down and to the left (that i was experiencing before I installed the oversized pin). How much play does yours have if any?

antfarmer2

I worked in company cars at the Arlington factory in 94 and drove many right off the truck. Find something else to obsess over.

And if you really JB welded it you are screwed any ways.

TorchTarga94

Screwed how? I would just replace the column if need be.

TA

Pretty sure he's saying that brand new cars, right off the truck, had the same exact play you're reporting.