Loose tilt steering column
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
Loose tilt steering column
My tilt steering column is loose. I tightened the 3 torx headed bolts under the turn signal switch. I'm not sure these are the right bolts to tighten. Without the wheel on the column it is hard to tell. I would hate to get it back together and it not be fixed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ron :cheers:
Ron :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 29,937
Likes: 22
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Cruise-In 1-2-3-4-5 Veteran
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
I'm not sure, either, but as long as you're in there, back the screws out and slather some thread locker onto the bolts.
Also, the 1/8" diameter pin holes, the holes can oval-out in that pot metal core, and the column will loosen up again no matter what. But they only oval out if the column has been flopping for a long time.
Someone on the forum here has a web page up with a steering column disassembly and repair laid out. Check the archives in C4 tech and C4 general.
Also, the 1/8" diameter pin holes, the holes can oval-out in that pot metal core, and the column will loosen up again no matter what. But they only oval out if the column has been flopping for a long time.
Someone on the forum here has a web page up with a steering column disassembly and repair laid out. Check the archives in C4 tech and C4 general.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Matt Black)
I once had a similar problem with the ovaled holes. I used a small amount of JB Quick Weld on the slots. It took up the damaged area that was worn out. Just use the stuff sparingly. After tightening the screws, make sure to clean up any excess and let it cure for about fifteen minutes before reinstalling the rest of the column parts. The fix has held for over a year now with no signs of failure.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Sharky Guam)
I had a loose steering column and found that it had to be rebuilt. A couple of bearings down in the column went bad. Tightening the bolts didn't work. Had to spend 75.00 for the original manual but was well worth it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 913
Likes: 17
From: Chatsworth, Ga.
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
Chevey makes a repair kit for the problem of the holes in the plastic being out of round. The kit has larger pins and springs for the reapir.
I do not remember the kit #, but there are two of them. Try Chevey under steering wheel coupler kits, or something like that?
:flag
I do not remember the kit #, but there are two of them. Try Chevey under steering wheel coupler kits, or something like that?
:flag
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
There are four hex head bolts that hold the tilt mechanism. The two pins that the tilt section pivots on are pressed in. You can pull those out with some 8-32 steel screws, nuts, and washers (might be metric but they are so small either will work) and a socket to pull the pin into. Once those are out, you can get the 4 bolts that are loose and also check the wear in the holes they go into. Use blue loctite to prevent this problem from happening again.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga ONT
Re: Loose tilt steering column (AquaMetallic94LT1)
I still have the problem and purchased a barely used colum to solve it. I found out the real reason. The tilt spring has too much tension. GM had a stronger spring put in because the newer airbag wheel was heavier. Voila our knuckles get worn cuz of the pressure. I ve seen a few columns with the problems and the knuckles were out of whack. Tightening my torxx bolts helped a little. What helped the most was the pins that go in the sides. After removing them i took a flathead and a hammer and tapped ridges in them. I had to hammer them back in the column for a tight fit. helped about 90%. ... but it still movess....... thank god for the camber brace.... stops 100% wheel squiggle.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Redding CA
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
Hey Ron 93, I am doing the same thing to my 87 right now, I also had to take out the ignition switch to get deeper inside the column. Still have not got to the four screws metioned. If you have any tips please let me know.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 20
From: Derby Kansas
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
If you don't already ahve them here's some useful links:
http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/column/tiltcol.html
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/susp..._steering.html
http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/column/tiltcol.html
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/susp..._steering.html
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
I pulled the column from the car, the tilt bolts that loosen up were tight. There is a lot of slop in the pivot pins. it is wallered out from the heavy tilt spring. It looks like a rebuild is in the works. :smash:
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe,Texas
Re: Loose tilt steering column (388 SOLid RoLLeR)
Sorry to steal your thread, But what would you do if your tilt spring is broken??? My tilt just falls in my lap, and does'nt spring back up. How much deeper do you go into the column?? and where do you get this overhaul manual for this critter.??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Worden Illinois
Re: Loose tilt steering column (Ron 93 Vette)
A tilt spring would be an easy fix. I am using a G.M. service manual. You can get them at helm publishing.
Does anybody know if they lightened the tilt spring after 93 ?? Maybe I should go with a pre 90 spring since they are lighter. :smash:
Does anybody know if they lightened the tilt spring after 93 ?? Maybe I should go with a pre 90 spring since they are lighter. :smash:
