I have a loose steering wheel. Do I need a new steering column? The column is from a firebird and it is coming loose (OFF) right after the long 5 inch plastic adapter looking thingey. I have a new grant wheel and adapter kit not installed yet. Will the problem be fixed once I install it?

It has gotten to the point that I need to lift the wheel/column up a bit in order to turn my brights on/off.

DAMN TILT COLUMNS!!!

If I need a new column how much am I lookin at?

 

There are five (IIRC) bolts deep in there holding that all tightly together; in your case they've loosened up. Prepare yourself for an afternoon of suck. Take notes, sketch diagrams, and get a buddy. You can probably find more info doing a search.

S.

 

4 bolts actually. My first time in the steering column was frustrating. You'll need a slide hammer to pull out the pins at the base of the tilt. You'll need a puller to get the wheel off, and you'll have to screw around with the ring holding the column lock plate in place. Everything else is more or less a matter of unbolting it.

 

i had the exact same problem on my 86 IROC after i bought it. i could practically hand the steering wheel to the passenger to drive. at the time i worked at a auto repair shop, so i paid some guy 50 bucks, and he tightened the bolts, and even replaced the bearings.....but it may cost a bit more for you, it is a 3 hour job.

 

Paid about 200.00 bucks to have it done at the Pontiac Dealership about 4 or 5 months ago. If I had more time I would have tryed it myself, however I neither the tools or the time.

 

ok im having the same problem on my 88 bird, how do you get to the area your talking about? do i need to remove the steering wheel? and is it still safe to drive the car this way? (no loss of steering)