Tilt column loose

[72GMC51]

I have a tilt column I purchased from one of the truck places don’t remember where ( brothers, classic Chevy?) and it has become loose. The problem is it is assembled different than any other columns I have worked on. There was no lock plate and at the bearing there was a nut, also looks like a lock ring but not sure how to get the next piece off to get to the three screws to tighten up the tilt, any ideas?
Thanks

[randy500]

The column looks like it’s factory gm...
Remove the outer tin cover using a sharp flat blade screwdriver and hammer, it’s pressed on.
Removing the cover will reveal the tilt pivot pins.
The round silver piece in your picture is the tilt spring, push in with a Phillips screwdriver and turn 1/8 turn or so counterclockwise to release the spring
Then remove the tilt pivot pins
With the pivot pins removed jiggle the pivot housing and the “split lock ring” on the center shaft will loosen up so you can remove it.
Remove the tilt pivot housing and let it dangle on the wiring.
You will now see the tilt knuckle with the 4 bolts that need tightening.

[randy500]

Do you have a pivot pin puller?

[72GMC51]

No, I used a bolt and a vice grip and used a large screw driver between the housing and the vice grip and they came right out.

Thanks for your help, Loctite on the screws and am re-assembling.
Hope that takes care of the Loose condition, the screws were not really loose.

Originally Posted by randy500

Do you have a pivot pin puller?

[randy500]

Originally Posted by 72GMC51

No, I used a bolt and a vice grip and used a large screw driver between the housing and the vice grip and they came right out.

Thanks for your help, Loctite on the screws and am re-assembling.
Hope that takes care of the Loose condition, the screws were not really loose.

Your welcome and the screws that you tightened will fix it.

[72GMC51]

Well I tightened the four screws put it together and it is still loose😖 ??

Originally Posted by randy500

Your welcome and the screws that you tightened will fix it.

[randy500]

Should be tight left and right...I’m sure it is, just verify you only have looseness up and down.
If that’s the case then the pin for the tilt positions has backed out or the position stops could be damaged.

Although it is possible that the column outer housing where the nut plate seats got damaged from moving around. That can be fixed but requires welding or grinding to make the nut plate seats all on the same plane.

[72GMC51]

Well I guess I will take it back apart and see what I find.
It is tight left and right, loose up and down.

Originally Posted by randy500

Should be tight left and right...I’m sure it is, just verify you only have looseness up and down.
If that’s the case then the pin for the tilt positions has backed out or the position stops could be damaged.

Although it is possible that the column outer housing where the nut plate seats got damaged from moving around. That can be fixed but requires welding or grinding to make the nut plate seats all on the same plane.

[72GMC51]

Inside bearing fell apart when I removed the housing.

[randy500]

Originally Posted by 72GMC51

Inside bearing fell apart when I removed the housing.

That's bad news, that bearing is not available. I suppose it fell apart when you took it apart last time? I was going to say, pack it with grease as soon as you remove the tilt housing, now I wish I would have.
Do you think you can save the bearing?
If you pack the balls with heavy grease and have most of the plastic retainer it should be fine as when tightened up the balls cannot fall out.

[72GMC51]

Can’t find all the ball bearings, will have to look closer.
I suppose you would have to purchase the whole housing.

Originally Posted by randy500

That's bad news, that bearing is not available. I suppose it fell apart when you took it apart last time? I was going to say, pack it with grease as soon as you remove the tilt housing, now I wish I would have.
Do you think you can save the bearing?
If you pack the balls with heavy grease and have most of the plastic retainer it should be fine as when tightened up the balls cannot fall out.

[randy500]

The knuckle where the bolts are can get damaged too where it seats the the column jacket.

I tighten those bolts Very very tight and they usuallly tighten up the slop.

[randy500]

It looks like the column is still installed, you will probably want to remove the knuckle to inspect the bottom of it, if you do, just clean the lower shaft real good and then lube with oil, disconnect the intermediate shaft and the shaft will slide right out to get the knuckle out.
Check the pivot stops on the pivot housing, they are 2 pieces on a pin with spring tension, kind of difficult to check and take apart. I think the stop pieces are referred to as “shoes”?
I removed the pin holding those in place a couple weeks ago, it was tough to get out. Can’t remember why I had to take it apart.

[randy500]

I didn’t see the picture when I replied, the bearing was a service part at one time and separate from the housing. How many balls are you missing, can you mic one? I might have an extra or possibly one from a newer column.