lilpuertorico84

The steering column in my 85 camaro is extremely loose. So loose that the steering wheel sags kindaand i can move the wheel up and down a quarter of a inch are there nuts that are loose or do i need a new steering column.Does anyone have any ideas what it could be and do i need a new steering column. Also how do you put all the components that sit behind the steering wheel back together in order thanks Ray

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Do a search. This has been addressed a bunch of times. I just saw somebody else ask it today but I can't remember what section it's in. Either way, if you do a search you'll find step by step instructions with pictures and everything. There are 4 reverse torx bolts that you need to tighten at the tilt joint.

lilpuertorico84

do you know where i should search for this information thanks alot

89cmrodriver

ummm best bet would the the search button in the upper right hand corner

lilpuertorico84

thanks 89cmrodriver i'm still new to this website

89cmrodriver

its all good dude, mine was like that i used a 4inch pvc clamp, still works fine, doesnt look the greatest but works without messin with the steering coloum..u might wanna get it a try, u can get one at lowes home depot or any store that sells plumbing stuff

lilpuertorico84

definetly gonna give it a try

89cmrodriver

i think u can get the clamp for $2 or so, and if u dont like it, its only a $2 waste i wouldnt mess with my steering coloum for anything in the world, to must risk as i see, id pay someone to do it..wonder if theres a recall on the steering coloum?

FruityOne

It is by no means a hard job, it is detailed, but doable by even someone as mechanically uninclined as myself.

I've fixed the column in my GTA and I can tell you that while its a dirty, greasy, messy, and lengthy job. It is not a hard job. Check out this post, and do a search for "loose tilt column" that'll net you a huge response.

You will need a:
Steering Wheel puller
Lock Plate Depressor
Tilt Steering Pin Remover

The first two are easy to find at your local Autozone rent program, the third is harder to find. Vader provides some ways to substitute for the Tilt Steering pin remover. Check out the post below, as well as the self help article on this site.

Loose Steering Column! WTF?

and the article, "Tightening Your Tilt Steering Column"

lilpuertorico84

thanks guys:hail:

comarti4

I think that kinda goes against the thirdgen philosophy. I'd rather do it myself and mess it up then pay someone to fix it because at least you learn then and either way you have to pay someone.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

That's right. Why actually fix the problem when you can just put a splint on it and call it a day?

89cmrodriver

comarti4, ya u are right, but i dont have time to mess it up, then how will i drive it with no steering coloum to get it fixed?

jim85iroc, i dont have the know how or the want to mess with it, also i dont have the time or the money to pay someone else to fix it

Mike89GTA

4" PVC clamp??

steele

It's a PITA to do, but doable. Make sure you don't let the bearing fall apart. Mine did and I had to dig all the little bb's out of the column and repack it. Also, make sure you have a steering wheel puller, lock plate remover (you'll have fun with the c-clip), and a 3/8's bolt and some pliers for the pivot pins or a pivot pin puller if you can find one.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

You know, if the transmission suddenly fell out of my car, no matter how broke I was, I really don't think I'd stuff it back in there with a couple 2x4s nailed to the floor pan. If you can't afford to maintain your car, you shouldn't drive it. Period. You're putting other people in danger. Nobody cares if your column falls into your lap and you hit a tree, but if you mow over some hot chick with a great rack, that's going to effect us all.

War_Eagle

I had a similar problem with mine and insted of tearing apart the column, I got another column from the salvage yard, and it was a 45 minute swap. By the way, my wife did most of the work on mine . I have since stripped the original column of all reusable parts and the steering seems tighter than before. BTW, the column was $55 and that included the steering wheel and a new ignition with keys..........

steele

I'd still rather take the time to take the column apart and put plenty of loc-tite on the screws. I'd think a replacement column could loosen up just as easily as your old one over time.

GarageToys

iTrader: (6)

Exactly.

We're talking about a steering column, not a console lid or gas filler door-- don't rig something that can fail and kill you (or any hot chicks nearby). I hope you don't do your own brakes.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

That costs too much. He just removed the pads and jammed some tree bark in there. I'm sure it'll be fine.

89cmrodriver

it has worked fine for me, tight as can be, i dont mess with stuff i cant fully fix, i need it to drive everyday so i dont take it apart where it cant be put back together by me, but if one of u "oh its easy to fix" people wanna come fix mine i welcome u to do it

lilpuertorico84

guys thanks for all your input i will definetly take it into consideration:hail: but it seemed like you all were putting a clamp on 89cmrodriver's mouth:sillylol: :sillylol: thanks amigo's

FruityOne

Total cost of fixing the wheel for me was $45. Thats because i didn't rent a steering wheel puller($20), and I bought the Tilt pin remover tool($18). Other costs were the locktite and grease. That was it.

Mikes89bird

I recently took my tilt column apart and had many problems with the pins in the sides of the column. The best way I personally found to get them out is using a slide hammer. I think you
will also find this the easiest method.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

oh yeah, I forgot about those. I used a slide hammer too.