tilt sloppy, won't lock in place

[5akman]

Just picked up a 1988 K5 today. Along with a few minor repairs, I need to address the column. The wheel will not lock in any position regardless of moving the tilt lever. It simply drops to the full down position and you can pivot it up/down independent of the tilt lever.

I've read numerous threads and watched a few videos but those all addressed the 4 screws deep in the column that allowed the wheel to wobble. I believe I have a different problem as mine won't lock in place. Any suggestions?

 

[bucket]

The only to know for sure is to take it apart and inspect. If it was just the tilt stuck unlocked, there should be some spring assist holding the wheel up.

 

[Darth Plasma]

I have the same issue with my steering column. It's a late 80's early 90's column from a Blazer or a Silverado and the tilt steering will not lock into place.

 

[Crispy]

The tilt mechanism is a ball and socket with the lever controlling what detent it falls into. You have to tear it down and see if anything is broken or missing.

This thread has some good pictures to give you an idea of what it should all look like. Unfortunately you're right in that most of the column right ups are about the 4 loose screws. You're gonna have to dig that deep anyway so you might as well repair/replace everything you can while you're in there.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12525.0