I have heard of these problems every once in awhile, however first time to experience. Is this something that can easily be fixed at home or do I have to take it to the shop?

 

If it is loose either at the tilt portion, or from the tilt to where the wheel is, then you can do it no problem. There is a tech article for the loose tilt fix that explains how to get the major parts out, use that to fix the bearings and race if the tilt isn't what is loose. Also, if you want an exploded view of the column, Jay sent me one and I will send it to you. Good luck. I did the tilt fix last week and when I got it all together, I realized that I should have replaced the race and bearing, soooo, I will do that in a couple of weeks.

 

Jim, thanks for the reply. That exploded view you have would be very handy. Thanks. By the way, what kind of time did you end up spending on it?

 

Tony, like Jim says, I'm here to help you if you need me. I've built many of these columns and I'm glad to help with any questions you might have. Its a shame that there are so many 3rd gens that get stolen, I spend a lot of time repairing theft damage at the dealership.

Jim, Email me your address. I have 2 bearings that I didn't have to use in the last column rebuild. Maybe I can save you a coule of bucks and mail them to you.

 

Thanks for your help guys. I am going to try to get to it this Sunday.

 

Tony,
Did you get the e-mail I sent you? It had the exploded view attached. It took me about an hour to disassemble and reassemble the column. Just make sure that you have a steering wheel puller (the one like a harmonic balancer puller that screws into the wheel as opposed to the "hook" arm pullers) and a lock compressor. I didn't have these and went to Auto Zone, they have a new tool loan program for those oddball seldom used tools. They charge you for the tool (about 15.00) then when you return it they refund your money. Great for someone like me who VERY rarely uses those tools. Like it has been said, there is a good tech article with the steps to get it all apart, then just do what you need to and voila, new steering!!

Good luck

 

Yes, thanks alot. My directional lever is alittle sloppy as well, might as well replace that while I am in there.