sloppy column

[1979C20]

I just followed the how to in the tech section for fixing a sloppy column, but sadly, It is still sloppy. Not AS sloppy but it is still pretty bad. Any Ideas on what might be wrong and how to fix it?

[Captkaos]

Did you tighten all the torx bolts?

[1979C20]

All 4 of the inverted torx. And I put loctite on each one.

[Captkaos]

Pivot pins in?  Where is it "loose"

[1979C20]

I can take the wheel when the key is locked and move the wheel about 3" left right, up and down. NOT turning it, but lifting it. The lower part of the column is solid to the dash, but the whole upper part is loose and sags down from center.

[Sartobuilt]

After taking the column apart and tightening the 4 torx bolts and still have a loose colunm is a hard one to grasp. Did you do them one at a time? How tight did you tighten them? I have had the threads pull out of the lower housing before.

[1979C20]

I cranked them down with my 1/4" drive ratchet, so They're tight, but I didn't want to over-do it. I know for a fact it is not the bolts.

[zieg85]

When you wiggle the steering wheel around, is it the column or the wheel itself.  I have had the bearing under the steering wheel locking mechanism been in wrong. My $.02

[1979C20]

Its the whole upper column. Not just the wheel, and I think I know what you mean about the bearing, because when I had the inner race out the wheel moved around a bit. But, its the upper part of the column, where the column tilts.

[zieg85]

Its the whole upper column. Not just the wheel, and I think I know what you mean about the bearing, because when I had the inner race out the wheel moved around a bit. But, its the upper part of the column, where the column tilts.

I have had the pot metal piece crack on me before.

[1979C20]

Great. That sounds fun and hard to find.

[zieg85]

Easier to get another tilt column IMO. 

[Captkaos]

Sounds like something else is broke if the whole upper section is moving.  Did you notice anything broken when you had it down?

[1979C20]

I couldnt find anything broken. I though the turn signal cam was, because it wont stay down to the left, I have to hold it, but it ended up being the mechanism where the wiper stalk hooks into, not the plastic cams. Other than that, nothing was wrong. Although I didnt go any further than the 4 bolts. I dont know if I mentioned it but I can plull the steering wheel towards me like half an inch as well. And sometimes when I put it in park the upper bowl will spin around to where the wiper switch is pointing at the rocker panel.