Fixing steering column (Page 2/2)
kevin AUG 03, 05:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

The turn signal stalk connector is plugged in lower down on the steering column. After you unplug it it just pulls out. I would not recommend reassembling a loose steering column. Driving with a loose column is dangerous. You must fix it for safety. Take your time and disassemble the entire column right down to the cup at the bottom. This requires also getting out the column pivot pins. After all is off, at the bottom you will find four torx bolts that must be tightened. Re-tighten and use Loctite Red. Try to get a picture of the column from the factory manual. That shows how the column is constructed. The column only assembles one way so you really can't put it together wrong but it must be assembled in sequence. Last time I did this job, with the special tools, it took me about 2 -3 hours from start to finish.



Dennis,
Do you have a rebuilt steering column, with Red LocTight that you can sell me? I would REALLY like the rebuilt one so I do it have to worry about any future wobbly steering.
Cordially,
Kevin
916-600-6482
theogre AUG 04, 01:07 AM
Using loctite does not make the "fix" permanent. Just make the "infamous" bolts "glued" into the plate and if/when need to work on again you'll regret Red loctite.

4 bolts go into a "floating" plate that goes into slots in column tube.
The Aluminum or Pot-metal base of S-column top, plate and tube bends, wears, etc, even a bit letting the bolts to loose torque then bolts quickly back out.
Even a tiny bit loose w/ loctite on the bolts can allow the top to "wobble" and "eat" the parts again.

Why?
Because way to many people beat them Every time they pull tilt handle letting S-wheel slam up, Using S-wheel as handle to get in/out of the car, and other such abuse.

Related problem is Some people claim Tilt column have bad Tilt parts is very often cause same abuse issues. Tilt "ratchet" and pivots doesn't like fools pulling down the S-wheel to get in/out of the car either or even during turning.

So If you keep abusing many S-column fixes have to be redone sooner or later and that's if your lucky.

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