I recently broke down the tilt steering column on my '85 Z28 to fix a jammed ignition switch actuating rod. I got the ignition switch linkage working again, but when I was reinstalling everything (I think I was putting the turn signal switch back in) I noticed there was way too much play in the shaft. In addition to a universal wobble, the shaft can me moved in and out about 1/4" to 3/8". Is that normal? This is my first time this far into the tilt steering column, so maybe I'm missing something simple. Any ideas ? Thanks.

 

That's normal at this point.

It's held in by the top bearing, which is in the upper cast piece, and isn't there yet.

Make sure to tighten those "inverse Torx" screws REAL GOOD. Those coming loose is the usual cause of the floppy column problem.

 

Thanks you for that advice. Actually the lower column is fine with all 4 inverse torx screws very tight. I am thinking that short shaft SHOULD be tight once it passes through the two bearings of the tilt mechanism housing and the pivot pins and tension spring are installed. Otherwise that play is going to be transferred out to the steering wheel. I'm trying to find a good detailed exploded view diagram of the 1985 tilt steering but I'm not having much luck. I f anyone has one could you please post it on this thread. What it feels like is that a bearing is missing, but both are in good shape and seated in the tilt housing.

 

Well, not sure if this was the reason for the play on the short shaft, but I had this seat for the shaft spring upside down.

 

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

This is the best on line tutorial I've found on rebuilding the column .

 

Hope all goes well putting your steering column back together. I know it is a hassle, but be glad you have an adjustable one. I have a 1984 myself, and there is no adjustment at all. One fixed position, in my lap whenever I drive.

 

Fortunately (in some ways) that tilt column design, like much else about these cars, has been the same since the 60s... first one of them I ever worked on was going into a 69 Chevelle, and ours are pretty much identical.

 

Wow, this is fantastic. Thanks very much.

 

would a steering column from a comaro work on a Silverado?

 

Since there never was any vehicle named "comaro", and since this board doesn't allow discussions about trucks, I'd say your pretty much outta luck here