Inside the GM tilt steering column (Page 2/15)
GT86 DEC 04, 01:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by tesmith66:

Cliff, we really, really, really need stickies or a section devoted to stuff like this. This is invaluable information.




I agree. Write-ups like this should really be gathered together in one place, and not get dropped into the archives.

Great job Jazzman
JazzMan DEC 04, 01:53 PM

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

TK DEC 04, 07:08 PM
A++++

Cliff has got to give us a repository for this stuff. It might take a few people to decide what goes in but we have to organize these threads better. This one will wind up in the archives with no pictures eventually.

Terry
JazzMan DEC 04, 07:15 PM

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

Dennis LaGrua DEC 04, 07:23 PM
I've only disassembled a tilt steering column once to fix a wobble problem and it was about a 2 hour job. Not all that difficult but you need to remove each part, note its location and position carefully and save them in a magnetic pan so they don't get lost. The parts only fit in one way so there is little chance for error, but there's just so many parts to fit and place. I hope not to be doing this job again anytime soon. Good post, excellent pics and instruction. However, a word to the wise; steering column repair should only be attempted by those mechanically competant and if I might add GREAT ARTICLE!!!

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87GT - with 3800SC Series III engine, 4T65eHD
87GT - 3.4L Turbocharged engine, modified TH125H
" I'M ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 01-01-2009).]

theogre DEC 04, 08:22 PM
Nice work.

Some notes for reference...

The cap for the big tilt spring is fairly soft. If someone can't turn it, they probably haven't pushed it down far enough to clear. (Or pushed so far it's binding.) Don't force it or the hole will strip out.

It is tempting to pry or use a slide hammer to remove the tilt pivots. Be very careful if you try that. If they are stuck tight it is possible to break the casting that way. There are several ways to make a puller if you can't find the Lisle or other products at your local stores.

See how the anchor plate for the tilt assembly just hooks into the top of the column? That fairly weak connection is part of why the screws come loose. Even if you locktite the screws, avoid allowing the tilt to slam and don't use the steering wheel as a grab bar to enter/exit the vehicle. The assembly can come loose if it's abused just from flexing and damage to the anchor plate and column tube.

Someone once posted about the steering wheel falling down. Unless there is a major problem in the tilt system, the only way it can move w/o using the lever is someone is pulling/pushing pretty hard on the steering wheel. The latch will slip under high load. Every one I've seen does this so I have to think it was intentionally made to do so. Maybe to allow the steering wheel some float in a wreck. No sure idea but they are all built that way.

If you are having trouble with the ignition switch functions, and you've already adjusted/replaced the switch, the problem could be wear in one or more of the linkage parts shown above. The rack gear can often be found thru MotorMite's catalog and is fairly common at many parts stores. Be warned tho that such parts are usually not in the store's computer system as part of vehicle searches. You'll have to check store racks and/or paper catalogs.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

fieroguru DEC 04, 08:40 PM
That was AWESOME!

This is probably a record for # of pics in a single post... I counted (or miscounted) 141...
BoostedSeries1 DEC 05, 12:37 AM
A friggen + man. sweet wright up. I do like the "shop towls" back drop. nice touch, works well with the colors of the column parts.



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RotrexFiero DEC 05, 09:40 AM
Hey Jazz, when I lift up on my steering wheel there is a little play in there. Not pulling it straight out, but lifting it up. Is that normal? Otherwise it feels okay.
JohnF DEC 05, 09:45 AM
Hmmmm, James, you say that the key interlock is installed on the manual transmission columns. My son's '86 SE has one on his auto also. Do we have a car that has had a change-over?