Inside the GM tilt steering column (Page 5/15)
JazzMan DEC 21, 09:07 AM

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 11-22-2011).]

Fastback 86 DEC 21, 01:15 PM
Jazz, I was curious about something. When I switched from 15" wheels to 16" wheels, my car suddenly developed an intermittent shudder in the steering wheel at freeway speeds. Its only there at freeway speeds and there's no pattern to it, though it does seem more pronounced on poorer quality roads. Someone indicated to me that this could be a problem in the steering column, and from what I gathered from your article here, it may be those plastic gears that are meant to break in an accident, is that correct? You say this is non-repairable, does that mean I would need to replace the column or could it be rebuilt? My car has an aftermarket steering wheel that was installed by the previous owner, so I have no idea what amount of force may have been used to remove the original. My car is also sans steering dampener, though I would happily put it back if it might make a difference.
Toddster DEC 21, 09:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fastback 86:

Jazz, I was curious about something. When I switched from 15" wheels to 16" wheels, my car suddenly developed an intermittent shudder in the steering wheel at freeway speeds. Its only there at freeway speeds and there's no pattern to it, though it does seem more pronounced on poorer quality roads. Someone indicated to me that this could be a problem in the steering column, and from what I gathered from your article here, it may be those plastic gears that are meant to break in an accident, is that correct? You say this is non-repairable, does that mean I would need to replace the column or could it be rebuilt? My car has an aftermarket steering wheel that was installed by the previous owner, so I have no idea what amount of force may have been used to remove the original. My car is also sans steering dampener, though I would happily put it back if it might make a difference.




The steering column can't cause a shudder in the car. The opposite is true of course. More likely your problem is the alignment. Damper might be cause but without taking it for a spin it's hard to say.

BTW Jazz, Very nice write-up. I guess you're good for something afterall.
Fastback 86 DEC 22, 02:03 PM
Its not a shudder in the car, though. Just the steering wheel itself, and only intermittently. The rest of the car feels perfect, its just the steering wheel.
Toddster DEC 22, 04:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fastback 86:

Its not a shudder in the car, though. Just the steering wheel itself, and only intermittently. The rest of the car feels perfect, its just the steering wheel.



I'd check that alignment first. It could be the steering rack, tie rods, or ball joints but start with the cheaper problems first. It is unusual for a steering column to shake on its own. And considering it was fine until you changed wheels I'd go with the undercarriage first.
JazzMan DEC 22, 07:07 PM

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 11-22-2011).]

THE BEAST DEC 22, 07:48 PM
Wow, I like it.
Thanks,
JG
buddycraigg DEC 22, 08:42 PM

quote
Originally posted by JazzMan:
Ok, I've tuned this article up as much as I can, so barring any input or suggestions I'm going to consider it done.
Thanks for stopping by!
JazzMan



well you could have had more hot chics.
Fastback 86 DEC 23, 12:55 PM
Good to know, I'll check it out.
carnut122 DEC 23, 06:54 PM
I'm glad you posted this, as I "explored" my column when I installed a new turn signal shaft and ended up "forcing" things. Now I can refer to this to take care of issues in a better manner next time.