Steering Column Worn Out, What to do???

[bbru]

My column is worn smooth out. I have alreadyu had it tightened and was told that it was as good as it was going to get. Now it has loosened back to what it was. How hard is it to rebuild, or is easier to find another column and install it.

 

[Bowtie85]

Way easier to get another column, after reading about them in one of my manual's. Id just change it and be done with it, less hassle.

 

[79rustyk10]

They're a bitch to work on without the right tools, and even with the right tools its a pain.

Id find a different one if possible.

Was loctite used on the bolts when they were tightened up?

 

[ryoken]

is it just the tilt failing?

they are tedious to work on, especially without a lockplate tool and sometimes a wheel puller... lot's of steps and processes doing column work, a few extra if it's a tilt... but the GM's aren't the worst to work on...

That was the stint at the collision shop that drove me batty, I did all the stolen cars, broken column/dash work...

if it's a failed tilt, put some blue, or even green loctite on em... but it's usually not too hard to find a used column too... when i saw a manual, non-tilt, wiper only column come up for sale, I jumped on it...

 

[bbru]

The tilt is really loose. I can grab the wheel and it has 360° of play. I don't know if loctite was used when I got it tightened up.

 

[ryoken]

probably not, if not it wasn't repaired right.. it's about 10 or 15 steps to get in there and tighten em up, I've done a few... gotta plan for at least a couple hrs.. take your time and take a lot of pics...

usually the wheels come off relatively easy.... once under the horn assembly, you'll need some good snap ring pliers and the lockplate tool.. it can be done without, but it sucks with one person.. remove turn signal assembly, cylinder actuator, yada, yada..

there was a decent walkthru I've seen posted before, maybe someone will put up a link...

 

[bbru]

Ryoken, I doubt I would attempt it. I think Ill try to find a new column.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I can repair the loose tilt easily. I can tear the column apart, repair it and have it back together in 45 minutes (helps that I have all the proper tools). I have probably done a couple hundred over the years already.

 

[bbru]

I can repair the loose tilt easily. I can tear the column apart, repair it and have it back together in 45 minutes (helps that I have all the proper tools). I have probably done a couple hundred over the years already.

Got an extra one you wanna sale

 

[ryoken]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3040176#post3040176

 

[pblaze725]

Mine went out a while ago and I felt the same way. I wasn't very confident about my skills, and having no special tools didn't help.

...So I went down to the pick yer part and started ripping apart their columns and learned how. I don't know why I always do things the hard way the first 2 times!

It wasn't that bad. The worst part is the snap ring under the horn button.My .02 of advise is to check the wire harness for compatibility and keep the 2 bolts under the dash in until you disconnect the steering shaft. I replaced mine in a few hrs on a weekend.
In the end I found an original GMC logo steering wheel in nice condition and I have not had any issues since.