I know there is a FAQ on how to fix this , but I am wondering how much does it wiggle when it's fixed? My wheel moves maybe 1/4 inch or less so I don't know if it is worth it to go in and tighten the 3 bolts. I am putting in a new wheel today so if I was going to do it I would do it now. What do you think?

 

It shouldn't wiggle at all. I would definately recheck the torx bolts while you are swapping the wheel.

 

My steering column started to feel loose some years ago. Looking into it, I found that there were four small bolts buried inside the column that tie the steering shaft(going through the firewall) to the top of the column. The bolts are totally inaccessible while the column is mounted in the car(having torn the hell out of everyting in the vicinity trying to get to them!)
So, I've purchased another steering column to replace the original.
Anyway, wiggle in the steering column is a huge no-no and should be looked as a life or death repair to be made immediately.

 

Mine wiggled too, my uncle the mechanic said it had to be fixed before it was on the road...it could fail at any time, and would (or could) fail suddenly, with no warning, and abruptly remove the ability to steer the car.

Must fix immediately.

 

it's not really that bad of a repair if you have the necessary tools. steering wheel puller, lock plate remover, and a tilt pin puller. they are inverted torx bolts the 4 that have to be tightened. I used a 6 point socket of the same size and it was good and tight so that i could use loctite on the bolts and stay tight another 20 years. It's not a bad job took me like 2 hours cause of one of my tilt pins not being the same as the other.

 

Good point about the Loc-Tite.

I talked to a local junkyard owner, who's worked on GM steering columns for years, and he remarked that this issue (which only affects tilt columns made until 1992 or so) has to do with a lack of locking washers or Loc-Tite on the bolts as installed from the factory. Every one of them does this sooner or later unless fixed.

 

well I guess I'm glad i read this thread......my column has had the wiggles for the last few years.....i thought it was just worn out or something....now i guess I'll have to rip into it..........:

 

I had an '81 K5 Blazer that I had to tighten the bolts on twice. The second time I used red loc-tite and the problem never re-apppeared. It was much easier on the truck column than a Camaro column though.