Steering Column issues
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
Steering Column issues
Hello all, new member here.
I just purchased a '93 base model from a colleague. It's currently kinda rough, and has the wobbly steering column issue, as many do.
My question is this: can I replace the column with a unit from a '92? My car's VATS has been disabled, so I don't see why not, but figured I would ask the experts here.
Thanks in advance!
I just purchased a '93 base model from a colleague. It's currently kinda rough, and has the wobbly steering column issue, as many do.
My question is this: can I replace the column with a unit from a '92? My car's VATS has been disabled, so I don't see why not, but figured I would ask the experts here.
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
Sweet!! I purchased a perfect column from a guy parting out a restored '92 that I want to install. Being that the VATS is already disabled on mine, and swapping the cylinder is an option, I'm stoked. Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
If you have the wobbly wheel, and it is the hinge pin that is the culprit, putting the oversized pin in would be a much less effort fix (I did this)... you might have a hinge pin issue with the new to you 92 column as well. Maybe take a peek to see if the hinge pin is loose before you pull the entire column? then you have the other one as a spare or can resell?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
Please explain why the column would be different depending on transmission type?
I have swapped several interior parts out so far from an auto car that are a direct fit, even when I thought they wouldn't be.
I can see the VATS being problematic, 92-93, but why the transmission?
TIA
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
If you have the wobbly wheel, and it is the hinge pin that is the culprit, putting the oversized pin in would be a much less effort fix (I did this)... you might have a hinge pin issue with the new to you 92 column as well. Maybe take a peek to see if the hinge pin is loose before you pull the entire column? then you have the other one as a spare or can resell?
The column I purchased is rock-solid and has recently been rebuilt.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
Likes: 2,741
Please explain why the column would be different depending on transmission type?
I have swapped several interior parts out so far from an auto car that are a direct fit, even when I thought they wouldn't be.
I can see the VATS being problematic, 92-93, but why the transmission?
TIA
I have swapped several interior parts out so far from an auto car that are a direct fit, even when I thought they wouldn't be.
I can see the VATS being problematic, 92-93, but why the transmission?
TIA
Post whether your car is an A4 or an M6 and quite likely the column you bought should have a label on the mast jacket with an eight digit number. What is that number? I can likely advise.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
I'm not too sure if I want to dig that deep in my garage, plus I had a local Corvette guy try to fix it at his shop. He said that two of the bolts were stripped and he couldn't make the remaining bolts tight enough to correct the slight wobble.
The column I purchased is rock-solid and has recently been rebuilt.
The column I purchased is rock-solid and has recently been rebuilt.
sounds like the local corvette guy doesn’t know the fix technique.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As VikingTrad3r said the mechanic does not know the issue. The bolts may be tightened trying to resolve the issue to point off stripping the threads but the issue is GM used a steel hinge pin in an aluminum knuckle. The steel pin creates excessive wear in the knuckle from people using the steering wheel as a lever to help them out of the car. If people can’t get out of a C4 without using the wheel as a lever, they should buy a different generation Corvette.
The oversized pin usually solves the problem and is a much easier fix than replacing a column. There are a lot of threads here on accomplishing that repair.
The oversized pin usually solves the problem and is a much easier fix than replacing a column. There are a lot of threads here on accomplishing that repair.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 716
Likes: 135
From: Buchanan, Michigan
As VikingTrad3r said the mechanic does not know the issue. The bolts may be tightened trying to resolve the issue to point off stripping the threads but the issue is GM used a steel hinge pin in an aluminum knuckle. The steel pin creates excessive wear in the knuckle from people using the steering wheel as a lever to help them out of the car. If people can’t get out of a C4 without using the wheel as a lever, they should buy a different generation Corvette.
The oversized pin usually solves the problem and is a much easier fix than replacing a column. There are a lot of threads here on accomplishing that repair.
The oversized pin usually solves the problem and is a much easier fix than replacing a column. There are a lot of threads here on accomplishing that repair.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That is certainly one option. I am 74 and simply follow this way to get in and out. Getting in I stand with my back to the car, put my *** in the seat, and then just pivot my legs into the car. Getting out I pivot putting my feet on the ground, left hand on the door jam, right hand to the roof and stand up. A REALLY old guy showed me this technique years ago. Of course it is all much easier with the top down. LOL
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
Thanks all, I didn't know (or think) about the ignition lock and needing to be in "P" to work.
Hopefully I can either figure this "fix" out or find someone who knows how to do it.
Thanks again!!
Hopefully I can either figure this "fix" out or find someone who knows how to do it.
Thanks again!!