How to Fix a Loose GM Steering Column

How to Fix a Wobbly Chevy tilt steering
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[@joegiusep]

This video is a godsend. I took apart my column a few years back to fix the slop in it, tightened the bolts and that didn't do anything. I didn't know the pins could be the issue but it makes perfect sense now! Thanks a million for such a well made walkthrough of this terrible job, I can finally dig in and fix it right.

[@wadecreighton4584]

Dude, this is the most complete video out there. I have the same exact problem, I went through this several months ago and I was just about to buy a new column. THANKS YOU JUST SAVED ME MONEY.

[@scissors3131]

This is almost identical to a 4th gen column wobble fix as well! This video saved me so much time and frustration. Thanks so much!

[@richardrawson]

I’ve said a million times “I wish KZbin existed 25 years ago”! I had an 89 Trans-Am GTA with the same problem and this video really would’ve helped me!

[@Schwxrzritter]

Quarantine, my Trans Am, and these vids are a good combination

[@brodywankenobi66]

This video saved my ass. I was about mid way through this project when I realized I'm in over my head. This helped me reassemble my column so I can still drive it. May attempt again after analyzing this video very closely

[@illmaticstyles]

Man this is a process, nice video

[@pedromartin4437]

Came here from 4chan. Damn this video was amazing. Keep it up, subscribed.

[@transam4555]

What a well put together video awesome detailed step by step.. my fourth gen firebird has the same problem and this will help tremendously

[@koolkat2933]

Dude thanks so much for this video I have the same exact issue on my third gen and was stumped so I just drove it as is! Thank you sooo much!!!!!!

[@delfmeek5481]

Great video. Such a common problem on these cars as well as others in the same era.

[@IROCZman15]

really good video. it was a big help when I couldnt figure out some of the little aspects of the rebuild.

[@ariyanadumon4549]

The irony of all of this is that my tilt is fine, buy electronics all needed replaced because of some dumb shit the previous owner did, well that and age. So the whole column came out for a full restoration, paint, electronics and some fresh lube. And I'm here to tell you, it sucks guys. I'm also doing an Astro Shaft Upgrade. It's definitely been the hardest thing I've done so far to this car. Thanks for the vid man.

[@Michael_Lorenson]

Excellent step-by-step, thanks!

[@davebarron5939]

Wow! I don't think I have ever seen one that bad! Nice job. Thanks

[@kirkdecker6228]

Yup...I had to do this last year. Except it wasn't the tilts pins...those were almost froze into place. The four external torx bolts were loose and very very recessed. Make sure to not drop loose bolts down steering column. Use lock Tite. No joy in this repair but hopefully never have to do this again. '89 Trans Am GTA.

[@AcidJurassic]

for anyone who needs to figure out how to do the 4 screws in the back you have to remove the ignition switch spring in the front left its held by a small screw. you just need to hammer a piece that has a circle with a line in the middle which frees the pin allowing the black assembly case to come out to get clearance to actually reach all 4 bolts in the back

[@3rdGenGuy]

Just a FYI, the little clip at 15:05 controls the buzzer that rings if you leave the key in the ignition. you don't need it, BUT if you want it to buzz at you; it goes on the bottom of the yellow turn signal mechanism.

[@steelefleming4608]

Where did you get your pins from?

[@3rdGenGuy]

@@steelefleming4608 those were stock pins. Unbalanced engineering sells oversize pins as well

[@charlesmares4143]

Pretty helpful. My only input would be to mention or list on screen what size of nut/bolt/thread/socket you are using. Thanks though!

[@3rdGenGuy]

I used to list tool sizes, but it's so hard to know what's what. 10mm or a stripped 1/2in?

[@xsonicsparkx]

Your video is awesome. Can you do a video showing how to remove the gauge cluster?

[@3rdGenGuy]

i got you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnnEaXSagNxppZI

[@teamcantgetright633]

Trying to get all the tools together to attempt this. The reamer drill bits can you point me in the direction to get some

[@dalecolbert232]

If you don't use the air bag c clamp, the steering wheel will rub because the c clamp stops the wheel when tightening the wheel nut

[@mrgunman6767]

wish you were in Houston to fix mine. Don't trust some of these places to even look at my car. ANy recommendations?

[@3rdGenGuy]

hard to trust anyone but yourself.

[@Tricolor610]

Hi from Germany ... , great vid ... , I have the same problem with my 86 383 IROC ...

[@Rakki_Haitatsu]

Wow great video! 😊 I'm going to apply this to my 4th gen. Thank you!

[@johnhalchishick7094]

Nice work, mine feels like it's loose at the bearing at the top of the column . Only the steering wheel moves.

[@davidoutdoors74]

Great video thanks. I just finished tighten up my formula' s steering whee,l now the high beam doesnt work my luck.

[@finkeldrinker7842]

Thank you so much for this!

[@Netnert]

Would be cool if you listed the tools you needed

[@outraguz8185]

Nice video but it’s easier to just by the whole column. Nice work tho

[@jaedagod9788]

have the same exact problem cool thanks for the vid.

[@zoltanfeher6981]

Perfect Thank you

[@yyyuuuhuuuuuuuuuuyyu]

twelve persons bought the entire column before finding this video

[@KingMechanics]

That’s a good one man. 😂

[@kriskoehnke3779]

17

[@NatsunoUchihaplays]

Awesome video yo

[@jocarr1791]

Thank you, 3rd Gen Jesus.

[@BlackThorne1987]

Awesome idea. I just ordered a set of oversized pins, my wobble is way smaller so I hope that would work. But if it doesn’t - your way should! Did you just use a big roll pin? Any size that was mentioned on it?

[@3rdGenGuy]

the roll pin will depend on how bad your pin hole is damaged. mine was COMPLETELY FU** an oversize pin will probably be fine. I kinda wish i knew about the oversize pins and used one on the driver side pin hole since that hole was only 0.001in too big.

[@brockebonnette1541]

Where did you get the oversized pins from?

[@alipescador2348]

Amigo saludo exelente trabajo de verdad lo felicito muy profesional gracias éxito

[@jonnathan5099]

I did that my my bolts weren’t loose but my steering column wasn’t in place. It sticks out about 3 inches making the steering wheel feel lose while moving but doesn’t effect the driving that much. I was told to replace the steering column. Any brand that you would recommend?

[@alexcat321]

WOuld you happen to know if the turn signal lever when it's connected to the switched inside the column, is it connected to the windshield wiper switch or the turn signal switch? My wipers aren't working and I'm trying to figure out if I need a new turn signal switch or wiper switch, but i can't seem to find the wiper switch....

[@3rdGenGuy]

GM has a test wiring setup for wiper motors. My video shows a ghetto way to turn on wipers good way to test the motor kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJTKZKqLbcmiqdk

[@OfficialLewisPerformance]

I did it... And now nothing works 😂

[@chadmccartney9956]

where can I find the horn buttons. Mine don't work or is there an aftermarket for a 1992 Z28

[@johnnysequinajr.8133]

My tilt spring won’t go back on for the life of me is there a certain spot you pt it at?

[@3rdGenGuy]

the tilt spring is VERY tough to push back in. do a test run without the spring and just the keeper first. it will go in.

[@Phillycheeseaquatics]

When he said dont worry if you have extra pieces left over 😂 I said hold up a second

[@3rdGenGuy]

unless you want a AWFUL Buzzer go right ahead and install that clip lol

[@yeudsiegal5285]

@@3rdGenGuy the buzzard is that antenna looking object next to the tumbler screw?

[@dandowodzenka8864]

**SAFETY TIP** Always disconnect the Negative (black) battery connection first, then the Positive (red) second, not as shown in the video. Only need the Negative one disconnected, but with sensitive electronics and Airbags, do both. Pull the Airbag Fuse as well just in case. You can also let the Airbag sit for a few hours if your worried before removing it because the system does hold a carryover charge. Handle them with caution!

[@jasonwhite3257]

Would this also apply to a 1996 Impala SS Tilt?

[@claypaul2012]

What was the roll pin size? Having a hard time finding it.

[@3rdGenGuy]

depends on how bad your hole is. my hole was WAY far gone so it needed a HUGE oversize to clean up the egg shape. the roll pin only has to be 0.005-0.010in larger than the hole it's pressed into.

[@tresiii20011]

To get to the ignition switch, I just remove the bolts under the steering column?

[@3rdGenGuy]

if you are talking about the ignition switch under the dash and on the column yes. At 1:52 this video covers removing the ignition switch. You can just stop short of completely removing it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inW2pHaGo86Gn6c

[@tresiii20011]

@3rd Gen Guy thanks so much for your reply, I really appreciate it! I need ro troubleshoot why my Camaro starts intermittently, I have a new starter, new battery, just replaced the pickup coil, Camaro runs fine and everything, just the issue with the inconsistent starting

[@yeudsiegal5285]

I did not see the little object you took out after you took the tilt spring out? You took that little gear with a magnet?

[@3rdGenGuy]

the tilt spring has a cap and a rod. i removed the rod with a magnet.

[@jeffreygout]

Great video, other than the background music, I hate that track

[@davidwiley652]

Put a link for the specialty tools like the reamers. Where did you get em and what brand? Do they come as a set?

[@3rdGenGuy]

the reamer size depends on how bad your hole is. as far as links, AMAZON man. (ex. 5/16 reamer) the reamers i have are Aerospace surplus so they come in weird sizes.

[@chevelleguns92]

What would you charge to do this on a 90 iroc? Im local to you lol

[@tweetsmcgeets]

My key will not spring back after full reassembly. Halfway through, the key comes back fine but there is no spring forcing the key back once it is fully together. Any way to fix this?

[@3rdGenGuy]

does it return if you force it?

[@Thirdgen83]

My steering column isn't loose, but it seems like it's angled to the left rather than centered. Any thoughts on this?

[@3rdGenGuy]

loosen the 2 bolts under the dash that hold the column in place and move it over. should be able to move is 1/4in or so

[@1980sSinaloense]

To remove my tilt lever is it twist or no ? I bought a chrome tilt lever but i cant seem to get it to loosen up

[@3rdGenGuy]

it should twist off. they can be tight.

[@1980sSinaloense]

@@3rdGenGuy oh hell yeah man i gave up i tried it with vice grips and still cant get it to loosen up ahah ill i continue tomorrow

[@AcidJurassic]

@@1980sSinaloense not sure what kind of car you have but my iroc it seems to be one piece i couldn't get mine to turn either

[@1980sSinaloense]

@@AcidJurassic ok so I figured it out i got some vice grips and i clamped them on closer to the steering column and it finally turned. If you pay attention to your tilt lever it’s 2 pieces so if you try to turn it you’re going nowhere but if you grip on closer to steering column it will twist right away with one hard turn

[@AcidJurassic]

@@1980sSinaloense huh thats good to know thank you

[@SmackdownCH]

My blinker mechanism stopped working, i bought a new blinker switch (white round thing) do you know where to get the blinker lever?

[@Mr_TheBusiness]

If you are talking about the actual lever you use you're turn signal? Type in 82-92 Camaro turn signal on Amazon.. I think it's $29

[@yeudsiegal5285]

Does the light dimmer switch go all the way slidded in, or partially?

[@3rdGenGuy]

it should make a click when it seats.

[@AntoineFinch]

lost my snap ring that holds lock plate? can't find one anywhere 84 Buick lesabre limited 5.0?

[@3rdGenGuy]

Should be able to find one at a hardware store. However, if you don't have one as a reference, it'll be a guessing game. That or dig through a junkyard

[@mrgunman6767]

What website?

[@3rdGenGuy]

www.unbalancedengineering.com/

[@danielestrada1850]

I have the same issue on my '83 "Caprice. Does anyone know if it is safe to drive it like that? Is there a risk the steering column might fall all the way down while driving? Thanks

[@3rdGenGuy]

the wheel isn't going to fall off or anything, but I would make a plan to fix it.

[@danielestrada1850]

Thanks for replying

[@mrgunman6767]

where can I get the horn wiring, mine broke

[@3rdGenGuy]

Besides the junkyard, there are GM Horn Wire kits for other cars. maybe something will work for our 82-92

[@aahproductions]

Looks like you can get at it from the left side at the high-beam lever and install an oversized pin without having to dissect down through so much of the column: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn3SoKBpmLGUhqc

[@alexbarker6790]

Question. So I followed this to change my multi function wire harness cause the right signal would not click off after turning. My high beams are not working now when I click towards me to active them. Anyone that can help would be really appreciated please and thank you

[@3rdGenGuy]

So the high beam switch inside the column is a bad design that doesn't work well. the little plastic piece at 12:00 has to be aligned. if that doesn't work, try pressing the plastic housing forward while you try the high beams. the housing is on the left side and is the big plastic cover at 12:00

[@alexbarker6790]

Thank you for getting back to me. Do I need to disassemble the steering column again to try and fix it?

[@SpikeySlayer]

Same, i m’m stuck, i don’t understand how to fit that piece under the lever arm of the high beams, it fits actually but doesn’t click, it stays behind not under

[@E.T.GARAGE]

I believe there is a guy that makes oversize pins.

[@THANOSTHEEXPLORER]

www.unbalancedengineering.com/GM/Pins/

[@fredmaroney8853]

Great repair advice but the music is unbearable

[@3rdGenGuy]

surprised you can even hear the background. it's turned down to like -16DBA

[@stormwickham1675]

Links to parts?

[@3rdGenGuy]

the pullers can be rented at a local auto parts store.

[@stormwickham1675]

@@3rdGenGuy no. I mean the parts. Not the tools.

[@3rdGenGuy]

@@stormwickham1675 what do you mean parts? like the reamers or?

[@stormwickham1675]

No. The 3/8 piece you put in there.

[@3rdGenGuy]

@@stormwickham1675 oh. the bushing. I didn't get a part number. it's just a random steel roll pin the pin had a 0.472In OD 0.550in length the ID was a tad smaller than 3/8

[@Bowtie4me]

i absolute hate walkthrough video. it always look so easy then you try yourself seeing how easy it look. the one im working on the damn flasher harness is stock somewhere even unplugged. plus all the extra crappy aftermarket antitheft under the dash. and now im taking it apart again after fucking up the high beam switch there is like a small black plastic that i have no idea how its suppose to go back. never again. im soo glad my 85 is mint and do not have to mess with the colomn even after 330k km.

[@glomayne]

A lot of work but bet it saved you a ton of cash

[@3rdGenGuy]

I think it's a 6hr labor job and most mechanics don't want to touch those tilt wheels at all. i'd probably cost $500 to pay someone to fix it.

[@Ciana_Baby]

Yeah I’m just going to let mine stay loose🤦🏻‍♀️

[@damienwilliams8687]

I feel the same way some say just buy another one.

[@DehZoh]

I don’t have any of these special tools to fix this problem lol

[@3rdGenGuy]

parts store has the tools.

[@davidwiley652]

@@3rdGenGuy but what are the actually called? I been searching and searching rem bits and can’t find anything. What’s the name of the bits you used to drill the hole out?

[@bigreccopsalms9161]

🤔🥰👏

[@Reefyeigt]

This took me 6 hours so beware

[@3rdGenGuy]

ya, it's not a short process.

[@nathanpressnell2217]

No thank you

[@lenny7773]

Oh yeah, just remove it. *Video cuts*

[@3rdGenGuy]

I can't see too detailed otherwise the video would be 2 hours long and no one would watch it.

[@xravenhairsexgod]

Is this the same procedure for swapping out the the Turn Signal Switch Lever?

[@3rdGenGuy]

ya, and swapping out the ignition tumbler just a few more steps.