mines pretty damn loose and i just cant stand it anymore. theres a good write-up but i wanted some first hand experience of anyone thats actually tackled the job. is this an easy job to do and about how long did it take. all the little parts gets me scared!!!

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...ngcolumn.shtml

 

You can do it. I did it with just the threads here for help. You can rent or make the tools needed to finish the job up.

Expect about 1 to 2 hours if you have never done it before, and run into some snags.

If you've done it before then I think about a half hour max in and out. Buy parts cleaner, and lithium grease to put it all back together better than new. I'd recommend lock tighting the 4 inverse torx bolts back into place so you don't have to do the job again later.

BTW, this is the most helpful thread i've ever come across on this forum dealing with the Tilt column issue.
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=tilt+column

 

I did it a couple months ago. It's a pain but it can be done. I loctited the 4 torx bolts that were loose way down inside the column. I also had to go to Napa and purchase a "steering column pin remover" tool. It didn't take long at all once I got those pins out of the column.

I used all the threads on this board for reference. There are some good ones if you search way back, i beleive Vader posted some helpful pictures

 

DUCK made a pretty good PDF on the subject too.
http://www.geocities.com/luckyducky...ring_column.pdf

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=248502

 

Took me about 2 hours to complete it while working at a casual pace. I rented the locking plate compressor tool and the wheel puller from autozone.

 

I did it before I found the "how to" file on here. It isn't all that difficult as long as you pay attention to how you take things apart, and line them up in the order they come off. The hardest part was reinstalling the ring that holds the locking plate because I did it with hand tools that I had available instead of renting the right tool.

Oh... and pulling the pins at the bottom of the column is going to require a special puller. I had what I needed for that, but you should definately be prepared.

 

fix for the URL above...

http://www.geocities.com/luckyducky_...ing_column.pdf

 

thansk for the help and links everyone. i at first scared myself away when i read the write up the first time but im a pretty good do it yourselfer and i think i can handle this.

now, is there only one special tool needed for this job (the one for the pins) or are there more?
firebirdjosh... is the locking plate compressor tool you refered to the same one as the tool referred to by jim85iroc?

also, any other good tips anyone can give from experience before i dive in and read through these threads?

 

All of the tools you'll need for this job, including instructions on how to make some of them are in the following link.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=tilt+column

 

but then there are someof us that go through the trouble only to find that the bearing is worn too, so tightening the torx does little or no good

 

oh no...what bering are you referring to? ive never heard of this but the torx screws have got to be worth a shot

 

There are bearings in the columns. Its actually a ring with a bunch of place holders for little ball bearings that fall out really easy.

I found them all and put them back.

 

I'm not sure if its the same thing. The lock plate removal tool looks vaguely like a steering wheel puller. There is a picture of it in that link above.

 

I wish that worked for me, my bearings were just worn.

 

The February issue of 'Camaro Performers' actually has step-by-step instructions with pics.