I bought a 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gta about a year ago and I’m in the process of fixing it up now. Is there a cheap way of replacing the steering column as I have a loose steering column like most people who own these third gens. I am very familiar with how to fix the tilt pins in them and to tighten the four bolts with thread lock. Is a painful process, and I am wondering if I could buy the steering column cheaply and from who?? Thanks in advance

 

I got a rebuilt column from columns galore out of Brewster New York. They will build you exactly what you need. It will be like new. I got one from them 3 yrs ago for my 82. It's a refurbished unit with mostly new parts inside. I've been really happy w mine.

 

I don't know of any new options. Possibly a good used one from one of the Camaro/Firebird boneyards (regular boneyards don't have these cars anymore), Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, etc. But, there were a number of differences in wiring based on options and model years, also different for manual/auto transmission. That stuff can be swapped over, but it's work.

I have to ask though. Since you say you have done the repair before, why do you say it's a painful process? I've done it a number of times and with the correct tools, it's a pretty easy job. Not much more time than removing and reinstalling the column and certainly quicker if you have to transfer wiring/components from your old column to the new. Plus you can do the job sitting in the driver's seat, not upside down in the footwell.

 

There are plenty of tutorials on this forum and its not that bad of a job. I am going to do mine tonight after work. If you have any questions, reach out to me.

 

The 89 Column is a bit of a "rare" item; I say that only because while it's basically the same as the 84-88 column, but it's got a VATS key cylinder. The 84-88 column is *almost* a direct fit, but those Columns don't have VATs. ( There are SOME 88 Cars that had VATS too, but those are very limited in number,...... My 88 GTA does NOT have VATs.)

82-83 Columns are NOT compatible with any other years due to wiper wiring & 90-92 columns have Air Bag clock-spring / provisions.

If you want to replace your 89 column, I suggest only going with another 89 column too be sure your 100% compatible. If you do decide to replace you current column, feel free to send me a PM with an offer and your ZIP code for a shipping quote. I have an 89 column from an 89 Formula Automatic, with the key, Tilt, Delay Wiper, and VATs module from the same car... NO Cruise. (Has resister on VATS wire,.. might have already been bypassed.)

** If your 89 GTA has Steering Wheel controls you will only find a replacement column that is 100% compatible from another 89 ( MAYBE late production 88 ) Trans Am or GTA with Steering Wheel controls !!

 

Contact these guys in Phx, Az--they completely rebuilt my 91 gta column for $425
'Singletons Sons Steering Columns'
623-780-2787