Is the shaft in the red circle supposed to move inward? I can push in a good inch or so.
also does anyone know where I can buy the bearing circled in yellow? I was looking at the autozone and Oreiley websites but I couldn't seem to find it.

 

google the part # for the bearing, and for the play, mine moves a little and dealer said that this is normal.

 

found this http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...earing-set.php
couldn't find the part at autozone, oreily, or napa. Is this the right part? the one I pulled out of my 92 Camaro didn't have the outer metal. it was just a plastic ring with bearings on it. all the bearings fell out as soon as I touched it.

 

Yes that is supposed to move with the column in its present state. When the piece that tilts gets put back on, the spring that goes in there, will hold it forced all the way in.

Yes those look like the right bearings.

 

ok so im having trouble finding the bearings at any of the local shops, this is my daily driver so I need it back on the road as soon as possible. the website says fits most GM cars 69-06 does that mean I could technically pull them out of a later year car at the wreckers?

 

Technically, yes.

 

just decided to swap columns. I guess now I have an extra parts column. for $35 bucks not bad. thanks for the replies every1