play in tilt steering column
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 6
From: San Jose, CA, USA
play in tilt steering column
I have a fair amount of up and down play in the tilt steering column - when locked it moves up and down a good 1/2" of so. This is particularly annoying on the track, and I'm prepping this car to be a track-only car so this won't do. I tried pulling apart the column but was unable to get the sleeve / cover that is in front of the tilt section off. The helms is less than helpful - there is a diagram but no description how to remove this cover. I was hoping if I got in there I might be able to diagnose the problem - could be a loose nut or something.
Anybody know how to get that cover off?
And more importantly, what could be the cause and fix for this play?
Scott
'91 Corvette
Anybody know how to get that cover off?
And more importantly, what could be the cause and fix for this play?
Scott
'91 Corvette
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 191
From: Orange County California
Re: play in tilt steering column (C4RACER)
There are 4 bolts in there that either need tightening or replacing. You or someone else did this by using the wheel to get in and out of the car. I did it to mine to but i noticed it right away about 8 months ago and i only have 1/4" of total travel and since i am not religious about using the wheel for nothing but steering it hasnt gotten any worse. You have to open her up and tighten the 4 bols or they may even be bent and need replacing. I dont recall how to get in there but i am sure someone will chime in. Good luck and remember DONT USE THE WHEEL TO GET IN AND OUT. Tilt it up all the way and you can step right out and in :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
Re: play in tilt steering column (robertpel9)
I am afraid the problem may be more than just tightening up a few bolts. This is the famous corvette wiggle, probably caused by us pulling on the wheel to get out. There are very informed people here who have been trying to fix this problem. I too have the problem and got an e mail yesterday from someone who is replacing the whole column this weekend. He has already tightened bolts, etc without help. I will follow this post closely since I am now putting my wheel back on because it looks like too much involved for me, and the wiggle does not bother me that much. Tom :cry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: play in tilt steering column (C4RACER)
If you are prepping the car for track use only, why not pull the whole column out and replace it with a shaft supported at the dash with a rod end? That way you can use a removeable race steering wheel and you won't have to worry about the loose column or worse yet having a steering column lock malfunction (unlikely, I know). I have a picture of how mine looks if you click on my bio I think there's a picture of the dash/steering wheel in there.
I would like to know hwat is involved in fixing the factory column, the one in my street driven '86 is starting to loosen up, too.
I would like to know hwat is involved in fixing the factory column, the one in my street driven '86 is starting to loosen up, too.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 6
From: San Jose, CA, USA
Re: play in tilt steering column (vetracer)
I think you are right - a collapsible race column will be just what the dr. ordered.
What is the spline count and size of the C4 rack? Any special couplers needed to adapt to an aftermarket column? Any other tricks or tips?
I think getting rid of this complicated POS column will be the way to go. Good thing I didn't order that GM spline QD for the race wheel yet - won't need that style now.. Push button start - now that's a race car!!
Scott :cool:
What is the spline count and size of the C4 rack? Any special couplers needed to adapt to an aftermarket column? Any other tricks or tips?
I think getting rid of this complicated POS column will be the way to go. Good thing I didn't order that GM spline QD for the race wheel yet - won't need that style now.. Push button start - now that's a race car!!
Scott :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: play in tilt steering column (C4RACER)
I didn't do the steering column mod, it was already in the car when I bought it. I have had it apart, though and it appears to be simpler than you would think. They used the original shaft out of the GM column (it has a special end that connects with the rack & pinion) and they just welded a splined end on to the opposite end for the steering wheel removeable hub. Drill a hole in the aluminum dash support under the dash, insert a rod end to support the shaft, and you are pretty much done. One thing I would suggest checking is the bearing where the shaft goes through the firewall, mine was shot and needed to be replaced.
:seeya
[Modified by vetracer, 3:59 PM 5/16/2003]
:seeya
[Modified by vetracer, 3:59 PM 5/16/2003]
