So I just went though the process of tearing down my steering column to fix the wobble issue (it actually didnt help but I wouldnt be surprised if the tilt gear is broken)

Anyways, after I rebuild the column, I put the key in the ignition went to turn it and it turned 180...without starting the car or anything...
It didnt step into accessories or anything.

Am I missing something?
How does the ignition system in the column actually work?

 

Forgot to mention, I took the wheel back off to look at the lock on the lock plate. That moved just fine...

 

Take the cylinder out again. Use a srewdriver or your finger to move the piece that the cylinder moves to start your car down to test start the car.The piece has teeth and connects to rod that connect to the ignition switch. Make sure the rod is still connected. It is easy to have the rod come loose as it happened to me when i was tightening the column to get rid of the wobble. Then move it back up to the correct position and install the cylinder. Test it again before you put the locking plate and other parts back on.

It is a good idea to test the turn aignals and emergency flasher as you are assembling the column.

Did you tighten all 4 of the special bolts when you were trying to get rid of the wobble. I had 2 bolts that were ready to fall out with only gavity keeping them in place when I got my 88 firebird, The column had to be lifted to take pressure off before the key would until the bolts were secured with loctite. Once the bolts were tightened the column works well.

 

Thanks for the response. I'll get back in there hopefully tomorrow.

Is the rod you are talking about the piece that locks the plate?
I noticed that that rod was connected to a semi gear, all attached to a spring.

My turn signals and everything were still working. I actually got my key in alarm working again. It was always very faint.

As for the wobbly thats still there, I tightened three of the bolts. The 4th was so close to the high/low beam bar that I dont think my socket fit on it....unless those are the wrong 4 bolts....anyone have a picture of what the bolts actually look like? Mine looked closer to standard socket than inverse torx...

My wheel isnt horribly wobbly, it just shifts 2 inches when i pull on it down to the left.

 

The plastic gear moves the metal part with the teeth so use the the gear to test start. The rod is further down the column, The actual switch with wires to start your car is further down the column below the parts you pulled to get to the bolts.
I used needle nose vise grips to tighten the hard to get to bolt.Some others have used a socket.

Have your searched the site for help posted like the one below?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/su...-steering.html (How to: Tighten tilt steering w/pictures)

Below is a good video on a chevy S10 column repair. It should help alot.Do A google of this.

Part 3 S10 Loose Tilt Steering Repair Proj 5

Found on Google search You Tube.

It shows the metal rack or part with teeth and how it is installed.
Thanks for the response. I'll get back in there hopefully tomorrow.

Is the rod you are talking about the piece that locks the plate?
I noticed that that rod was connected to a semi gear, all attached to a spring.

My turn signals and everything were still working. I actually got my key in alarm working again. It was always very faint.

As for the wobbly thats still there, I tightened three of the bolts. The 4th was so close to the high/low beam bar that I dont think my socket fit on it....unless those are the wrong 4 bolts....anyone have a picture of what the bolts actually look like? Mine looked closer to standard socket than inverse torx...

My wheel isnt horribly wobbly, it just shifts 2 inches when i pull on it down to the left.[/quote]

 

[/quote]

Below is the video of the part you probably nrrf to see for assembly of the column.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvq-qQFhqm0

 

awesome thanks Mark!
I dug back in there and found that the metal slider bar fell into the steering column. Pulled it out and good to go!
After the rebuild, the slight slop is still there...Im curious if its the spring or some play in the adjustment gears....
Of course, i think I broke something else now...My right turn signal and hazards work fine. But when I put on the left, the dash and front come on solid and the back doesnt show at all. I'm curious if i stretch a wire too much. Time to figure out exactly how turn signals work!

 

Check the bulb in the rear tail light as it is probably just burned out.Some of the rear bulbs have two filiments, so test it will a new one or swap the one from the other side that is working. The wires are very durable and i would think they are ok. Be sure to test your high and low beam switch after you assembled the column.

I think there is a spring behind the plastic gear that lock cylinder moves to start the car. That spring return the cylinder from the start position to run position when you let go of the key. I do not remember a spring for the tilt mechanism.

Glad to hear you are making progress.

 

Thanks for your help mark.
I've got the column fully rebuilt, the only issue was the metal starter gear slide thing...
My turn signal ended up fixing itself.. Maybe it was tired :-)

The spring I'm referring to is the one you compress with a square holed cap on it. It helps lift the wheel when wanting to tilt.
I'm not sure what's causing the slight wiggle, I'll take a video sooner or later...


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Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Interior Is this steering column put together right?

This has a diagram and a couple of photos. Hope it helps/