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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Steering Columns => Topic started by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 03:28:21 pm

Title: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 03:28:21 pm

Ok, so my 85 has the sloppy steering column that I have seen on other trucks. I also have seen the guide on how to rebuild the column.  My thing is that looks pretty darn complicated and I am nervous that I would screw it up. Body work, interior, even electrical are things I am more comfortable with, but steering kinda puts me off.  Idk, if someone can speak to the difficulty of doing this, I would appreciate it.

In any event, has anyone ever had a shop rebuild their column and for roughly how much?  I will be looking for a shop that is experienced with this type of work so as to get a quality job.  I would appreciate thoughts, tips or advice on how to proceed. Thanks!

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: 1979C20 on July 27, 2011, 03:35:19 pm

Is it a tilt column or stationary? Automatic or standard? This info will help someone explain the complexity

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: jaredts on July 27, 2011, 03:37:06 pm

In this thread and others some guys on here have recommended a place:  http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=19130.0
Other than that I can't help.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 03:38:03 pm

Very true, apologies I did not include it.  Its an auto with tilt.

I have read/looked through the captkaos guide as well.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: beastie_3 on July 27, 2011, 03:49:42 pm

If it is just the screws that are lose, which is common on these trucks, it is a easy and cheap fix. I had the same concerns, but it was real easy.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: 1979C20 on July 27, 2011, 03:55:56 pm

My dad said gm tilts are notorious for getting sloppy. You pull the wheel and part of the column apare and there are 4 bolts at the base that come.loose. Take them out one at a time, put thread locker on it, then put it back in and go to the next bolt.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 03:56:17 pm

Beastie:

If I am looking through Captkaos' guide, which photo would have the screws you are talking about in them?
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12525.0

Just want to be sure before I jump in.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: beastie_3 on July 27, 2011, 04:03:22 pm

half way down maybe. its labeled. there is 4 inverted torx screws.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: beastie_3 on July 27, 2011, 04:04:06 pm

scroll down til you see the pics where the steering column is covered in new red grease, then look to pictures above that.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 04:05:54 pm

I see the 4 screws now. Hmmm... :-\

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 27, 2011, 04:29:25 pm

This video is of a 93 Chevy, but it looks pretty similar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqGNc7gE3uo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqGNc7gE3uo)

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: bladerunner on July 29, 2011, 09:38:59 pm

Just wanted to update everyone. Went to the parts store yesterday, picked up a steering wheel puller and ordered a pivot pin remover, which I picked up today on my way home from work.  Just spent the last few hours tonight working on my column and she is tight as a glove.  Really nothing to it. The wiring in my column was a bit tight and I had a hard time getting it to back off and give me slack to remove the housing, but I managed.  Thanks again for the encouragement! On to the next job ;D

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: 1979C20 on July 29, 2011, 09:51:29 pm

Congrats on the job well done.

Title: Re: Steering Column Rebuild Cost
Post by: big bear on July 30, 2011, 11:59:56 am

awesome...glad it worked out for you.