Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 06:09 PM

The steering column that came with my well used and pretty abused 82 is kind of trashed, but i have little money and don't mind putting in time. With that said can i "rebuild" the column? it has tilt steering which is loose as heck, i can move the wheel up and down 3 or 4 inches when it is "locked" in position. The directional switch doesn't' work (i know it is in the column, all the lights work, the emergency blinkers work, and i replaced the flasher unit for the directionals). The steering lock is hit or miss, sometimes i have to wiggle the steering wheel up and down and left and right while turning the key to release it.

Is this a lost cause? Should i just go find another column? Or can i open it up and tighten, clean, and adjust it back into good working condition? If so...here is the real question...how the heck do i get in there? the casing is solid with no viable way to access the guts of the column.

I should add, i have a doner column, but it does not have tilt...which is a must for me.

slug · 03-19-2008, 07:44 PM

Digging Into A Steering Column Takes Some Specialized Tools And Knowlege Of How Everything Goes Back Together. I Would Say Just Go Get Another Column. I Had A Guy Come And Fix My Loose Tilt Column A Few Years Ago And He Did A Good Job, But I Am Extremly Mechanicaly Inclined And I Wouldn't Attemt To Tear Into A Steering Column. I Think It Would Be Easier And Less Expensive To Just Find A Used Column From A Salvage Yard.

bufmatmuslepants · 03-19-2008, 07:52 PM

id say tear into it and if you cant put it back together, put in the one without tilt until you can find a used one from a junk yard. if its trashed theres no harm breaking it more in an attempt to fix it

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 07:57 PM

Yeah, i think im going to try to tear into it and see what i can do...either way it sounds like im going to be getting a new one.

So can anyone give me pointers on how to get into it? I'm guessing you take off the wheel and slide the assembly apart from there...but if anyone has experience i could use the help.

**Captkaos** · 03-19-2008, 08:11 PM

Tear into it. You can fix the slop. It is just 3 bolts you have to tighten. I did this to mine while it was still in the truck and took lots of pictures. I haven't published the how-to on my webpage, but here is a post linking what others did: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=1947.0

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 08:38 PM

OH, YEAH! Rock and Roll! I will have this bad boy fixed hours after I get home tonight!

Thanks Captkaos! Great link!

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 09:05 PM

Oh, man...I Just read thru all 3 links. This may take a little more time then expected...it may have to wait until the weekend.

sighlurr · 03-19-2008, 09:12 PM

It's a nightmare. I spent a Saturday tearing mine apart to only get access to 2 of the 4 bolts.

I called a mobile column repair guy on Craigslist. He was done in an hour and a half, cost me $100. Money well spent!

sighlurr · 03-19-2008, 09:16 PM

A-1 Steering Column Repair‎
2550 30th Ave N
St Petersburg, FL
(727) 423-2571‎

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 09:31 PM

yeah, i would have to buy/rent/barrow at least 2 tools. I will have to keep that number handy...if it goes down the tubes.

dsigh, did you have the instructions from the link captkoas posted?

sighlurr · 03-19-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster's82

yeah, i would have to buy/rent/barrow at least 2 tools. I will have to keep that number handy...if it goes down the tubes.

dsigh, did you have the instructions from the link captkoas posted?

Yep, good luck!

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 10:11 PM

Thanks.

firedrag79 · 03-19-2008, 10:35 PM

It can be a pain but learning to do it, but it can also save $$ in the long run. I replaced my turn sign switch when i got my truck 13 years ago. Then later had wiring short that ended up being in the column. Then ignition plastic piece in column broke. Then later replaced bearings & key cylinder in column. I only had to buy the tools once and have gotten my moneys worth out of it. If you take your time and pay attention you can do it.
And if you can't then its not to late to get a different one and you will definitely have learned something...

Rooster's82 · 03-19-2008, 10:46 PM

Right on.

**Captkaos** · 03-19-2008, 11:58 PM

I didn't say it was easy

just not seriously difficult, but the special tools aren't really all that much. (in my opinion.)

72freak · 03-20-2008, 12:03 AM

I have a tight tilt out of an 89 Suburban.......$75+ shipping

Rooster's82 · 03-20-2008, 12:55 AM

72freak...depending on the outcome you may here from me.

slug · 03-20-2008, 01:01 AM

The Problem With A 89 Burb Column , Is, That It Has The Wiper Controlls On The Column, The 82 Has It On The Dash Next To The Head Light Switch. But, Im Sure There Is A Way To Convert It.

72freak · 03-20-2008, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slug

The Problem With A 89 Burb Column , Is, That It Has The Wiper Controlls On The Column, The 82 Has It On The Dash Next To The Head Light Switch. But, Im Sure There Is A Way To Convert It.

good point!!!

03-19-2008, 06:09 PM	#1
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? The steering column that came with my well used and pretty abused 82 is kind of trashed, but i have little money and don't mind putting in time. With that said can i "rebuild" the column? it has tilt steering which is loose as heck, i can move the wheel up and down 3 or 4 inches when it is "locked" in position. The directional switch doesn't' work (i know it is in the column, all the lights work, the emergency blinkers work, and i replaced the flasher unit for the directionals). The steering lock is hit or miss, sometimes i have to wiggle the steering wheel up and down and left and right while turning the key to release it. Is this a lost cause? Should i just go find another column? Or can i open it up and tighten, clean, and adjust it back into good working condition? If so...here is the real question...how the heck do i get in there? the casing is solid with no viable way to access the guts of the column. I should add, i have a doner column, but it does not have tilt...which is a must for me. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it. Last edited by Rooster's82; 03-19-2008 at 07:58 PM.

03-19-2008, 07:44 PM	#2
slug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Groves,TX Posts: 483	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Digging Into A Steering Column Takes Some Specialized Tools And Knowlege Of How Everything Goes Back Together. I Would Say Just Go Get Another Column. I Had A Guy Come And Fix My Loose Tilt Column A Few Years Ago And He Did A Good Job, But I Am Extremly Mechanicaly Inclined And I Wouldn't Attemt To Tear Into A Steering Column. I Think It Would Be Easier And Less Expensive To Just Find A Used Column From A Salvage Yard. __________________ there is nothing better than cutting metal with fire.......except cutting metal with electricity!!!

03-19-2008, 07:52 PM	#3
bufmatmuslepants Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 313	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? id say tear into it and if you cant put it back together, put in the one without tilt until you can find a used one from a junk yard. if its trashed theres no harm breaking it more in an attempt to fix it __________________ 1979 K10 reg cab short bed 33x12.50s - GONE 1988 4x4 reg cab long bed 337k miles - GONE 1995 Z71 GU6 G80 F44 ext cab short bed 149k 305/70/16s - GONE 1995 NZZ GT4 2dr Tahoe 3" lift 14 bolt sf 155k 305/70/16s - GONE 1994 Z28 M6 1995 Z71 GT4 G80 ext cab short bed 215k GONE 1997 GT4 G80 Yukon 4 door leather, sunroof 168k miles GONE 2003 Avalanche Z71 GT4 G80 165k miles

03-19-2008, 07:57 PM	#4
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Yeah, i think im going to try to tear into it and see what i can do...either way it sounds like im going to be getting a new one. So can anyone give me pointers on how to get into it? I'm guessing you take off the wheel and slide the assembly apart from there...but if anyone has experience i could use the help. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 08:11 PM	#5
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Tear into it. You can fix the slop. It is just 3 bolts you have to tighten. I did this to mine while it was still in the truck and took lots of pictures. I haven't published the how-to on my webpage, but here is a post linking what others did: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=1947.0 __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

03-19-2008, 08:38 PM	#6
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? OH, YEAH! Rock and Roll! I will have this bad boy fixed hours after I get home tonight! Thanks Captkaos! Great link! __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 09:05 PM	#7
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Oh, man...I Just read thru all 3 links. This may take a little more time then expected...it may have to wait until the weekend. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 09:12 PM	#8
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? It's a nightmare. I spent a Saturday tearing mine apart to only get access to 2 of the 4 bolts. I called a mobile column repair guy on Craigslist. He was done in an hour and a half, cost me $100. Money well spent!

03-19-2008, 09:16 PM	#9
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? A-1 Steering Column Repair‎ 2550 30th Ave N St Petersburg, FL (727) 423-2571‎

03-19-2008, 09:31 PM	#10
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? yeah, i would have to buy/rent/barrow at least 2 tools. I will have to keep that number handy...if it goes down the tubes. dsigh, did you have the instructions from the link captkoas posted? __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 10:11 PM	#12
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Thanks. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 10:35 PM	#13
firedrag79 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 62	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? It can be a pain but learning to do it, but it can also save $$ in the long run. I replaced my turn sign switch when i got my truck 13 years ago. Then later had wiring short that ended up being in the column. Then ignition plastic piece in column broke. Then later replaced bearings & key cylinder in column. I only had to buy the tools once and have gotten my moneys worth out of it. If you take your time and pay attention you can do it. And if you can't then its not to late to get a different one and you will definitely have learned something... __________________ 1988 Crew Cab SWB project

03-19-2008, 10:46 PM	#14
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? Right on. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-19-2008, 11:58 PM	#15
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? I didn't say it was easy just not seriously difficult, but the special tools aren't really all that much. (in my opinion.) __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

03-20-2008, 12:03 AM	#16
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? I have a tight tilt out of an 89 Suburban.......$75+ shipping __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!



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03-20-2008, 12:55 AM	#17
Rooster's82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clearwater FL Posts: 271	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? 72freak...depending on the outcome you may here from me. __________________ JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it.

03-20-2008, 01:01 AM	#18
slug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Groves,TX Posts: 483	Re: Steering Column Is Trashed...Can I Save It? The Problem With A 89 Burb Column , Is, That It Has The Wiper Controlls On The Column, The 82 Has It On The Dash Next To The Head Light Switch. But, Im Sure There Is A Way To Convert It. __________________ there is nothing better than cutting metal with fire.......except cutting metal with electricity!!!

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.