Loose tilt column, and my external torx bolts are tight!

[algershick@gmail.com]

Hello,

I just purchased an '81 short box Silverado from my parents. 15 years ago, it was one of the first vehicles I'd ever driven so I'm very happy about keeping the truck in the family.

It has a wobbly loose tilt column! My first guess was the infamous external torx bolts hidden in the column. I dealt with this on an '86 Camaro in the past. They were indeed a little loose; I lock-tite'd them and reassembled the entire column. Its still just as loose as it was before. Is there anything else that could be damaged that I'm missing? Its almost like the lower shaft is flopping around. I wonder if I'm missing a bearing or something down there, I didn't even think to look when I had it apart.

[zieg85]

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12525.0  could be a bearing, take a look at this write up

[algershick@gmail.com]

Thank you, I've seen  the article! He gets down to the torx bolts, assuming that is the cause of the wobble. My lower shaft is what is loose. I'm looking for some diagrams to see what is in the lower part of the column. I see a bearing at the base, but I'm not sure if there's anything up at the top end before the joint where the shafts join.

[zieg85]

Does the whole upper part of column loose or just the steering wheel?

[bd]

See page 3B4-30 (pg 267) of the 1981 Service Manual for a schematic breakdown of the tilt column.  Searching Section 3B4 should give you a good idea how to approach the problem.

[algershick@gmail.com]

Its the entire upper column.

[pcguysam]

I fixed this on mine.  It was an ordeal.  I ended up completely sacrificing the tilt spring because I could not get it back in correctly.  Doesn't affect the way the wheel tilts, you just have to physically move it up, it doesn't fly up on its own when you pop the tilt.  Also, getting the pins at the bottom out can be a pain.  I broke the tool off, so I really had fun, but I got my wobbly tilt fixed.

Take the opportunity to tidy up or replace loose turn signal mechanics as well.

Read the article suggested posted above.  It will help.  You do need some specialty tools to get the job done.  Some you can rent from your local parts store, and one or two you'll have to buy.  Good luck!

[VileZambonie]

Are you sure they are all tightened up all the way?