Steering column is loose on my 1990 4x4

[Groz's Burb]

I'm on a cross-country road trip and my steering wheel just started moving side to side; it looks like the column is getting a little loose. I've read this seems like a common issue and I don't think mine is that bad (yet) compared to some YouTube videos I've seen so I was hoping to catch it before it gets worse. Are there any suggestions on where/what to look at specifically? My plan was to disassemble the plastic column cover when I get home to further inspect what has play. I know lock-tite is a good idea when eventually buttoning things back up? I can't find much in my Haynes manual and YouTube has been for earlier models or C class trucks

Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

[Wes Harden]

Is it a tilt column ? There are 4 screws in the upper bowl that come loose.
Need a couple special tools.
If you can wait till your home I would.
Esp if you've never done this job before. Not much more work than doing a turn signal switch. There is a lot to keep track of as it goes back together.

One thing I tell my family. Do not use the steering wheel to pull yourself in the truck. Not doing this seems to eliminate the problem, once it has been addressed.

 

[Groz's Burb]

Is it a tilt column ? There are 4 screws in the upper bowl that come loose.
Need a couple special tools.
If you can wait till your home I would.
Esp if you've never done this job before. Not much more work than doing a turn signal switch. There is a lot to keep track of as it goes back together.

One thing I tell my family. Do not use the steering wheel to pull yourself in the truck. Not doing this seems to eliminate the problem, once it has been addressed.

Yes tilt column, and good advice to your family; I believe that's added into my issue as well.
Thank you!

 

[Jake_C_]

I tightened up those 4 bolts he’s talking about, it’s a pain but not too difficult just time consuming. I referenced this video a few times when I did mine it was helpful.

 

[Groz's Burb]

I tightened up those 4 bolts he’s talking about, it’s a pain but not too difficult just time consuming. I referenced this video a few times when I did mine it was helpful.

Right on, thanks for the video!

My steering wheel has the original horn button, does it just pop off with a flat-head or something similar?

 

[Kain]

pulls off with your fingers man

 

[Groz's Burb]

pulls off with your fingers man

Lmao even better. Thank you

 

[500$k5]

You are going to need a steering wheel puller, a steering wheel lock spring compressor, male, and female torx bits, and almost an entire tote worth of tools, and a truck load of patience. Best to leave it till you get home.

 

[Groz's Burb]

You are going to need a steering wheel puller, a steering wheel lock spring compressor, male, and female torx bits, and almost an entire tote worth of tools, and a truck load of patience. Best to leave it till you get home.

Thank you for the info, I'll be sure to be prepared