Ok, so my tilt bearing went out and all the linkages for ignition and hi beams etc got all screwy. Road Side assistance got me towed into a local repair facility.

So I saw my options as being to either have them rip the column down and replace whatever may need to get taken care of OR to swap the column. I figured the column swap would be easiest route when it came down to the pocketbook. Unfortunately no salvage yards in the Milwaukee area had one available.

My car: 89 Camaro RS, tilt, AT, VATS
Found: 89 Firebird, tilt, AT, no VATS

I figured the only real issue would be taken care of VATS, which is being taken care of via bypassing it. Starts fine.

Problem- apparently this column is a little longer and will not steer. The only thing I could come up with would be the collapsible shaft was extended.

Mechanic will be looking at it this afternoon. Is there anything else that could be a factor besides this?
Suggestions?
If the replacement column cannot be "easily" used, what parts could be swapped over to give me one good column?

My main hold back is $$$, I need to keep this as low cost as possible.

 

Is the upper trim collar rubbing the steering wheel? If so, just sand it down

90-92 columns were equipped with airbags and the collar was longer. Using an older wheel on them requires a slight trim or swapping it

 

Can check with the mechanic on where the problem lies today.
Steering wheel matches this one on eBay.
No sign of airbag.

 

I don't know what you mean by "won't steer" ?


82-92 coulmns are all the same length.

I'm guessing that you can't get the intermediate shaft and the column connection fit together ??

The intermediate steering shaft could be extended a bit too far, possibly seized and not allowing it to collapse as far as it should. Use a screwdriver to pry the rubber "boot" covering the joint of the intermeidate shaft and spray some penerating fluid/lubricant in there. Let it sit for a little while and then man-handle the intermediate shaft until it colapses and extends properly; then connect it to the coulmn..... done.