Was wondering if anyone has had issues with the steering column slipping out of the 2 silver brackets on the mount. The column appears to be collapsing on itself (steering wheel moves toward the fire wall) and the brackets on the mount are a slip fit. If I let it go far enough the whole column would come loose with the brackets still bolted in place. I can grab the steering wheel and pull the whole column back to the correct position. Is there a spacer that should keep the brackets in place or is it possible the steering wheel is damaged?

Note this is not the typical play found from a loose tilt steering.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

The steering column is designed to collapse in the event of an accident so it doesn't turn you into a shishkabob. Sounds like your column is damaged. Could try replacing the mounting bracket, but probably better to replace the whole thing.

 

I was thinking that might be the case. Thanks for the reply.

 

Took the column apart to find out what was wrong. Wanted to post a reply in case anyone else has a similar issue. Turns out on the main steering shaft, internal to the column, there is a slip joint. The upper shaft slides into the lower shaft. There is a whole drilled through both shafts that has an injection molded plastic plug. This plug is what sheers in an accident and allows the column to collapse. This pin can be damaged if impacted/pulled too hard during removal, so don't be too rough when removing and storing. If the pin is damaged the column is considered unrepairable. So you either need a whole new column or to replace the main column shaft.

Now to the classifieds to find a new column....