When I bought my 83 Trans Am it had previously been broken into and the column was craked so they could start it. I was wondering how difficult it is to replace the entire steering column. Or would it be alot easier to just replace the broken parts?

The plastic that has the blinker bar and ignition key is broken and so is the lower column cover. How difficult is it to take out the ignition and other stuff to get the new plastic on? Or should I ask how would you do that?

I am thinking about getting a whole column from a junk yard that will have a key but I am not sure how involved it will be to replace the whole column. But if I do not replace the whole column I would have the parts to replace the ones that are broken.

Any suggestions would be very greatful, thanks!

 

replace the whole column, it's easy. I've done it a couple times. only takes me about 45 minutes to take the old one out and put a new one in from start to finish. just yesterday put a new one in my 87 TA.

 

45 min. thats pretty quick. So I guess that would be the smart choice then. Well if I replace the entire column, maybe I should go with the tilt. Right now I have non-tilt, it they any differnce in installing them?

I have a 6 point cage and was wondering if it would be better to have the tilt so that it might be easier to get in and out?

Any suggestions?

 

I've never gone from non tilt to tilt myself. but I've heard of it being done plenty of times and nobody has ever mentioned any differences. I don't see why there would be any difference.

 

the only caution I have is that sometimes the tilt mechanism gets loose. Tighten the mechanism while you have it apart and save some work down the road.

 

how do you go about tightening the tilt mechanism? I've had entire columns apart but I've never really thought about it. and that could help me from swapping another column here in a couple days actually.

 

I haven't done mine yet, so I can't give specifics. I believe that there are 3 torx head bolts in there that come loose. Remove 1 at a time, apply thread locker(loc-tite), and reinstall each before you remove the next 1.

and you will find another thread that has detailed instructions.

Sorry I can't be more help.

 

The cob is right there are 3 torque bit screws should be a t-15, or a t-20. But make sure u use a good driver if not when u tighten them they may strip easily. Mine were so lose that when I tightened mine I used a cheap driver and the bit broke inside the screw and i had to carefully drill it out. Good luck!!

 

The column in my 87 has been loose ever since I got it. I had an extra column I was just gonna swap in(frustrating). but if I can keep from putting that column in that wiould be great. tomarrow's my day off, I'll have to see about doing that. thanks guys.

 

There's a tech article I've written about tightening your steering column in the Tech section. Step-by-step instructions.

 

Yeah it's pretty simple. You just need a steering wheel puller, and a column locking plate tool. Both you can buy, or rent at most parts stores. Simple job to do.