Play in steering column..

[philo_beddoe]

I don't think it's a "sloppy" column as mentioned in this category, but when I go over small bumps in the road i feel the knocking coming right up the column and in the steering wheel. Under the hood, when I grab the column and try to move it up and down, there is play,,,I can see the movement at the firewall. However, there is no movement or loose play when grabbing and trying to move the steering wheel by itself. Where is the culprit?? I can post pics/video if that will help. I have a basic stock setup. 77 C-10.

[zieg85]

There is a clamp as the column goes through the firewall.  With power brakes it is a PITA to get to the nuts but you can with a swivel socket on a long extension through the brake lines.  In the 85 they are 15MM, can't say about your 77 but guessing maybe 9/16" if not metric by then.

[philo_beddoe]

Thanks Zieg. but the craziest thing, i’m going down a bumpy road and hear and feel the play in the column...only it’s not in the column. When i was braking and still going over the bumps, all was quiet and smooth. It was all coming from the brake pedal arm, there is a little left-right movement. And of course being attached on or next to the column, i didn’t quite get under there yet, I feel that right up to the steering wheel. Anyway, knowing is half the problem. Now i can sleep at night. However, not sure how to tighten the break pedal arm. At least my steering wheel and column has no play or slop whatsoever.

[zieg85]

Brake pedal is mounted to a big plate and sandwiched with the steering column.  I've never seen one come loose and if it did you would hear all kind of rattles.  What you are describing I've experienced but this was on a truck that was rusted out, cab mounts were shot and it shouldn't have been on the road...(not mine)

[philo_beddoe]

yeah, nothing is actually loose. i used a simple mild tension spring to hold it to one side, problem totally solved. I did a full inspection under there, all secure.