Hi gang. Hoping someone here has run into this and has good advice. I have an '89 Firebird Formula 350 with tilt steering and I've attempted to remove the wobble in the wheel at least 3 times in the last 18 months. It always comes back within a couple of months (even with generous amounts of lock-tite).

I've noticed while working on it that the part labeled "54. Support, Steering Column Housing" in the diagram below appears to be broken. It's just pot metal and I think a corner of it broke off at some point (I've only owned the car a couple years and the wheel was super wobbly when I got it). So no matter how well I tighten down the support screws (part #52 below) it always wobbles toward the driver's side window after a couple of months (regardless of how much, or what type of lock-tite is used). My guess is now that it's broken it's either wearing down with use or additional small pieces are chipping off. Even when I first tighten everything down the wheel still leans a little toward the driver's side window.


If it's useful here's the full tilt steering diagram for reference. The part I'm referencing is labeled #60 in this diagram (a little tough to see).

So my questions...

1) Is it possible to get just that part, or do I have to buy an entire steering column?
2) What assurance do I have that I won't have the same issue with a used steering column (e.g. from Hawk Motorsports)?
3) Has anyone found a way to source a new steering column?

Thanks!

 

If you can get the part number, use that to do a search on Google and at dealers to see if you can find it

 

i don't know if they would sell individual parts, but as far as complete rebuild, i have had great success on several columns from columns galore in brewster ny... the owner is very knowledgeable

 

I had tried online GM parts catalogs for the individual part I need, but they all list that part as discontinued. I didn't try calling local dealerships (assuming they'd tell me the same). The folks at Hawks agreed to hand pick me a used parts column and specifically inspect the parts I'm having a problem with to be sure I can rebuild at least one complete, solid column. Just placed that order, so hopefully this approach works out well!