help steering column

[rockvillespeed]

anyone rebuilt their column?
mine has some play in what i assume are the ujoints allowing the tilt to work - i hear/fill it click periodically.
anybody know anything?

 

[grahamstein]

I dont know specificly about replacing the joints, all i can tell you is take notes of all the small pieces that come out. Figuring out where they are supposed to go can be a real pain in the ass.

 

[ItsMyTy]

yeah i've had one apart in a C truck.. almost exactly the same setup. Not hard to take apart, you just need a special puller for the pins at tilt hinge area. Also, if I remember correctly, the joint in the steering shaft in the column has plastic in it, so that's most likely where you're getting the freeplay.

 

[TyMeUp]

Re: help steering column

anyone rebuilt their column?
mine has some play in what i assume are the ujoints allowing the tilt to work - i hear/fill it click periodically.
anybody know anything?

Is this:
(1) 'play' in the upper part of the column where the entire column moves up and down slightly (seems loose at the column tilt area) or
(2) in the steering wheel where the steering shaft moves up and down inside the column (upper column doesn't move) or
(3) is the 'play' in the steering wheel where the steering wheel turns back and forth but doesn't seem to turn the front wheels?

Each one of these has a different 'root cause' and a different repair. Problem (1) is the most common 'condition' that affects this column design. It is caused by four bolts that loosen. These torx head bolts fasten the bottom of the tilt mechanism to the lower column. The fix is to disassemble the column down past the tilt 'pins' and just tighten the bolts.

 

[TyMeUp]

http://users2.ev1.net/~nolanclan/wiper_switch_R&R.html

Turbodog will get you half-way there and back. Note: you do not need to pull the turn signal or wiper switch wires out of the column; just unplug from below and pull out far enough to allow the upper housing to clear the steering shaft. Caution: there is an upper and lower ball bearing. These usually come apart, so place a pan under the column.

After step 15, remove the tilt spring (#3 phillips screwdriver - push down and turn spring cap/retainer - remove spring and cap). Next, pull the tilt pins - using a special puller*. Once the upper column is out of the way, you should see the bolts.

* Kent Moore # J-21854-01 If you can find a Snap-on tool truck in your area, they usually stock these specialty tools - or - check dealer's parts counter for ordering info. This tool is not expensive, so it's not worth the time to make your own and risk breaking off the small screw thread inside the tilt pin.