Steering Column Wobble How To: Pics and Steps Inside! - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:49 PM

Hey guys, I realize there is a tech article for fixing the steering wheel wobble in the tech section. I did mine yesterday and decided to take pictures of each step.
This was on a 1988 Trans Am but Camaro and other years will be the same, but the steering wheel may be different.
It took me about two hours to break the column apart, tighten the bolts, get it back together, and slap some fresh paint on the column.
Disclaimer: There are several ways to do this; this is the way I personally completed the job. I assume no responsibilities for damage to your vehicle; use my directions as a guideline to completing your job.
Parts List:
Specialized Tools
1. Steering wheel puller tool (Can be bought at any parts store)
2. Lock Plate remover tool ( Can be bought at any parts store)
3. Pivot Pin removed tool (GM # J21854-01 or Lisle 19940)
Common Tools
1. E8 Inverted Torx socket
2. Socket set (I used a metric and standard set)
3. Torx Screwdrivers or sockets
4. Phillips screwdrivers
5. Flat tip screwdrivers
Other stuff
1. Locktite or similar equivalent
2. Rags
3. Grease for the column internals, if you need it

Step 1: Remove the horn button, it just snaps off
Step 2: Remove the clip on the steering wheel nut and the torx bolt securing the ground to the horn (see arrows)

Step 3: Remove the nut securing the steering wheel to the column.

Step 4: Attach the steering wheel puller using the correct bolts provided in the kit. (You’ll have few to choose from since this is a universal kit)

Tighten the puller on the wheel according to the directions; it will slowly back the wheel off the nut.

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88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:51 PM

Step 5: Once the column is removed, pry off this plastic cover, it is held in three places.

Step 6: Now you’re down to the locking plate, this is part of the assembly that locks your steering wheel. It is held on by pressure using a c-clip in a groove. (See arrow)

You can get by without the lock plate tool using a few extra hands and a couple of screwdrivers…but it’s WAY easier with the tool.

Step 7: Remove the turn signal cam (See Arrow) it just slides off. These sometimes get brittle and can fall apart. You can still get these at local auto parts stores. If your horn doesn’t work it could be something in this assembly because your horn wiring attaches to it.

88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:51 PM

Step 8: Remove the turn signal switch (8 screws marked with an X in the picture)

Step 9: Drop the lower cover under the dash to gain access to the steering column mount. You will need to remove it to unhook the turn signal switch wiring to pull some slack in it.

Remove bolts and nuts holding column bracket on (6 bolts and two nuts) Also note the two plugs that need to be unhooked.

Unhook two plugs and slid forward so the turn signal switch will slide out.

This is what you will end up with

88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:52 PM

Remove the buzzer switch (see arrow in pic) and three torx bolts denoted by X's.

Step 10: Remove torx screw securing the ignition switch in

Slide the housing forward, this is what you should end up with

Step 11: Remove this spring using a counter clockwise turn of a large Phillips screwdriver

88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:53 PM

Slide the spring out and set aside, it's going to really greasy.

Step 12: Take the pivot pin tool and removed the pins on both side of the column per directions.

Step 13: Using the tilt lever feature release the upper clips that allow the column to tilt and the hole assembly should slide out like this:

88TransAmFreak · 07-19-2009, 01:53 PM

Step 14: Almost there! Now you should have access to the four inverted torx screws (see arrows), This is the whole reason why you have a wobble in your steering column.

I removed my screws out one at a time and sealed them with thread locker

And tightened them up

Now put everything back together, in reverse order of removal!
While I had everything apart, I touched my column up with sem landau black color coat and a new ignition switch.

burnout88 · 07-19-2009, 03:09 PM

Great instructions!! Do I hear sticky? These can also be used to show people how to do other internal work on the column.

stroked_n_blown · 07-19-2009, 03:14 PM

Awesome post...I definitely understand the procedure more fully now. This should be stickied / added to the other "how to" articles.

88TransAmFreak · 07-20-2009, 11:53 AM

Thanks guys, I'm glad to help...this is something that can be confusing if not detailed with pictures.

campin1983 · 07-20-2009, 12:09 PM

I vote for a sticky! Not only is it a good how-to, but for those of us with our columns apart who don't remember exactly how they went back together, this is a lifesaver!

novafirebirdguy · 07-20-2009, 01:25 PM

Sticky! Also great info if you need to replace your turn signal cam or ignition switch.

stroked_n_blown · 07-21-2009, 03:09 PM

bought the August '09 Car Craft last night..has a nice article with pictures for repairing Gm tilt Columns also. They used a Monte Carlo, but is still the same column and procedure.

one92rs · 07-21-2009, 06:53 PM

great write up man. that is awsome. maybe they will link this up top.

1991z28camaro · 07-21-2009, 08:16 PM

Thanks for a good write up

L695speed · 08-03-2009, 11:48 PM

Is the procedure the same for the early third gen birds? Mine is an 84 and thus has a different steering wheel, horn button, etc. The stalk and rest of it might be the same or similar. I might end up having to replace my ignition switch and stalk. They need to be done and I'm killing my armatures because of the switch.

88TransAmFreak · 08-04-2009, 06:16 AM

Yep, it's the same. GM used the same style column and internals through the late 80's / early ninties until our cars got airbags.

omnipotentgoku · 08-06-2009, 11:40 AM

EPIC WIN

Someone please sticky this thread. The teeth on my steering wheel nut shaved off and I wondered if their was a means of replacing the entire center column and it looks like their is all the way up to the pivot point. Thanx

88TransAmFreak · 08-12-2009, 07:54 AM

I found a low cost pivot pin puller, I paid almost $20 for mine and this one should work just as good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43072

AZ_James · 08-13-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88TransAmFreak

I found a low cost pivot pin puller, I paid almost $20 for mine and this one should work just as good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43072

Yes, this is the one I was going to buy unfortunaley its online order only and I needed mine right away.

By looking at the pic on there website to make my own. I used a long bolt that threaded in the pin, a couple washers, a nut, and a socket large enough for the pin to come out into. It worked great as a homemade pin puller.

CaveCock · 08-16-2009, 10:56 PM

sorry to jack this thread, i vote sticky as well(but there was another user who did this same thread with pics earlier this year) and im using this soon to do my steering column, but haha harbor freight is awsome, i live right near the one in Laurel,MD i go there atleast 4 times a month, love that place, thinking about buying all the gauges they sell there, dont know how accurate they will be though, and i just ordered the puller online