loose tilt column

[Prospeeder]

i recall this being a common issue with a good fix. The steering colums is all loose at the tilt joint on my 6000, whats the problem and whats the fix? I searched but im not finding the thread i remember. any ideas? i guess 260 sum thousand miles will do that lol

[Ray_McAvoy]

Hi Prospeeder,

Yeah, it's a common problem with many GM tilt columns. There are 4 screws down inside the column that have a tendency to loosen up and make the whole upper part of the column loose.

Here's a good write-up with pics: http://www.buickperformance.com/tiltsteeringcolumnwobble.htm

The column shown on that site is from an older rear wheel drive car so the column support bracket under the dash is a little different. Otherwise, the whole upper end is pretty much the same.

[Prospeeder]

kick ass dude thanks ALOT! I have all those tools to remove the wheel and lock plate so sweet, im gonna fix it this weekend. i see its for 70's and early 80's. SHould be essentially all the same in there right? Wow lots of dissasembly

[Ray_McAvoy]

Hi Prospeeder,

You're welcome.

Yeah, it is a lot of disassembly work just to gain access to some loose screws.

Even though that write-up is for a 70's / early 80's column, the internal design stayed pretty much the same right up until GM went to those columns with the square plastic covers. The multi-function (wiper/dimmer/cruise) turn signal stalk makes for a bit more wiring and stuff to mess with but doesn't change the design of the column's tilt mechanism.

[LordDurock]

also make sure you get the inner most ring complestly seated (in the pict below) or you will have a hell of a time getting the lock plate back on and or the wheel will wobb on the shaft.
http://www.buickperformance.com/wobble15.jpg

note: the plasic peice that is between the bright swtich actionion rod and the turn signal lever is a bitch to make stay in place while putting the the two cover pieces back on the column so a bit a of grease makes a decent tacky hold while you get the pieces in place

oh if you end up needing any random parts i have a lot or them form the column swap in the buick

[Prospeeder]

Ok I fixed t he loose column, what a pain! I could not get those pivot pins out, but i pulled on them and had a friend tap on the column with a hammer and it came right out! But now the steering wheel doesnt lock when you remove the key....its not possible when the key is 'ON' to have the lock pin move right? theres like a cutout on the pin and the plastic gear so its not possible i think. I feel allitle paranoid, but for the ammount of work it was im not pulling it back apart