How to fix loose gm steering column

[Powerhouse Ranch]

my column feels a little loose, was originally automatic but turned manual and after reading all of this, i'm quite nervous to rip into it haha; it's gonna need a bit

 

[just_some_guy]

Mine isn't loose (it's actually really tight with zero play at all) but I think there might be something going on inside it. My hazard lights don't work at all and my reverse lights only work if you hold the shifter knob in place just right. Also, when you put it in park, you kinda have to lift up on the shifter and push it forward in order to get it to "lock" so you can get the keys out of the ignition.

 

[Powerhouse Ranch]

So i have a '88 tilt column that when it's all locked in, has a serious amount of play. What's wrong exactly; what should i look for?

 

[Knight84]

So i have a '88 tilt column that when it's all locked in, has a serious amount of play. What's wrong exactly; what should i look for?

Exactly what the thread says at the OP first post, follow the steps and watch a few YouTube videos. There are 4 of these (circled two in the picture) external torx bolts that wiggle loose over the years. You gotta open that bad boy up and lock tite them and reassemble the column. It's a job, but not hard if you take your time, take pictures at each step and put it all back the right way.

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[Powerhouse Ranch]

Exactly what the thread says at the OP first post, follow the steps and watch a few YouTube videos. There are 4 of these (circled two in the picture) external torx bolts that wiggle loose over the years. You gotta open that bad boy up and lock tite them and reassemble the column. It's a job, but not hard if you take your time, take pictures at each step and put it all back the right way.

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alright i'm bankin on it

 

[ajd89]

Really glad to have this thread! Cant tell you how many times I looked at it to get my column apart apart and back together. Only broke one thing the little white plastic part with the spring on it for the horn contacts. Good thing I keep spare parts around! Robbed one out of a column off a 92 suburban was a little different but seems to work! Do our columns lock the wheel with the keys out? I cant remember if mine did before or not.

 

[Paladin]

Do our columns lock the wheel with the keys out? I cant remember if mine did before or not.

Yes, mine locks without the key!

 

[ajd89]

Yes, mine locks without the key!

Lol well it doesn't now

 

[Paladin]

Lol well it doesn't now

That just makes yours "Custom" now, lol.

 

[LateOnTheBrakes]

I need to do this myself, but just to get to the lock cylinder and wiper switch. Any tips on how not to have parts fly off when you get down to the wiper switch? I know the OP mentioned it was a mystery like women. I don't want to end up with parts in the floor pan with no idea how to get them back together.

 

[Camar068]

Here's a good video I found on youtube that helped me a lot.

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[LateOnTheBrakes]

The local Chevy dealership actually had the ring. $10 is a bit steep for a small snap ring if you ask me though.

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[AuroraGirl]

The local Chevy dealership actually had the ring. $10 is a bit steep for a small snap ring if you ask me though.

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i paid 27 dollars for a power steering cap

dealer only.


Infact, it was CHEAPER at the dealer than the websites.

Took 3 days to get it.

 

[75gmck25]

If your shifter linkage doesn’t work right with the ignition switch positions it might just need adjustment. Mine did not work right for the neutral safety and other features, and I had not tried to fix it, but when I replaced cab bushings it put everything back in proper alignment and it all worked.

My cab bushings had compressed so much that the cab was resting on the transfer case. Truck was a lot quieter when the cab was not picking up transfer case noise.

 

[Crashmore22]

Hello everyone. I’m new to this page. I found it via a google search. The original poster was extremely detailed. Thank you! Unfortunately I ran into an issue during the assembly. I ran into an issue when putting my lock mechanism in. So I disassembled, pulled the pivot pins, etc. This is where my issues began. So

1. The ball bearings on the inner race came out. Can I pack them with axle grease and use?

2. The rod that I’m pointing at in the picture(I’m assuming that is the high beam rod) doesn’t seem to be seated properly. I can’t get the assembly on to allow me to reinstall the pivot pins.

3. I found this spring in the floor when looking for the ball bearings. Any idea where it goes? I couldn’t find it on any of the schematics in the thread.

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You all are great! Thank you for your help and I apologize for my lack of knowledge of the actual names of the parts.