Hey folks, first time posting here. I've got an '89 Formula, completely stock. As you may or may not know, the steering column is divided into 3 sections. The steering wheel, the section with the ignition/hazards/turnsignal/wipers, and the rest of the column.

On mine, the part where the column meets the section with the ignition is loose. I can pick it up and move it all around, but its still on enough to steer the car (but it wont pass inspection).

I started by pulling the steering wheel and starting to take it apart from the front, but I kinda hit a road block and am stuck. My dad tells me its a better I dea to take the entire thing out, and work on it that way. I think that'll be a pain in the as$ so I dont want to.

I have pictures if you need 'em, just ask.

 

Same problem as about every other old GM tilt column....

There's 4 screws that need tightened.

https://www.thirdgen.org/steeringcolumn

 

yup I bet well over half of the people on these boards have been through that.. hell I did one on an older s10 at work just the other day

 

All depends on how you look at it (amount of work involved). Sounds exactly like every GM tilt steering column, theres a section in the FAQ or maybe tech data dealing with this, if not, search is your friend. 4 loose bolts cause it deep inside the column.

1 - Big bolt connecting business end of column to steering box via a u-joint.
3 - bolts in the floorboard securing the bottom end of the column.
4 - bolts holding the column up to the dash.
3 - electrical connectors
maybe 1 bar to deal with for the dimmer switch.

Thats all it takes and the whole column pulls right out. Last time I did mine it took 3 minutes 48 seconds to pull it out, they're very easy. Your pops is probably right, it IS easier to work on them in general out of the car, but your particular problem CAN be fixed without any ill effects without pulling it.