Loose steering column blues.

[AT1VET]

:confusedHelp ! The entire steering column can be moved back and fourth and up and down freely. I have had the car for a long time and have under taken many non technical problems. Could someone tell me what is going on and is this something that can be taken care of with patients and perseverance alone or should I take to the dreaded mechanic........Thanks......Doug

 

[Yoda]

Doug,

Welcome aboard

Since the entire steering column is moving, it sounds like the 2 bolts that secure the column might have come loose. These 2 bolts are located where the steering column meet up with the dash. There is one on each side of the column, they screw in toward the top of the dash through a plate attached to the column to a plate in the bottom of the dash.

May I also suggest the Shop Manual GM ST-364-81 and the AIM (1981 Assembly Manual). They usually can be found on eBay and aftermarket Corvette Vendors sell them. These are 2 GREAT DIY'er must have

Bud

 

[AT1VET]

Thanks Bud. I think that even sounds like something I can accomplish and thanks for the tip also. I had heard all kinds of scary rumors about the complexity of the job. Love your signature quote by the way.

 

[TimAT]

there is no trick to a steering column. it takes some time, some thought, and 3 different tools that many guys don't have. A puller for the steering wheel, a compressor for the lock plate, (if you have a telescoping wheel it's a little different than a normal lock plate compressor) and the tilt pivot puller. The puller and the lock plate compressor can usually be rented/borrowed from an auto parts store. The pivot pin puller can be made with a 10-32 threaded rod, a deep 9/16 socket and nuts and flat washers. One thing you really need for steering column work is this:
Main Page - CorvetteFAQ
Jim Shea's Steering Column papers. Everything you ever wanted to know about a steering column- and more.

 

[AT1VET]

Wow thanks for the link to Jim Shea's pages. He sure makes it look idiot proof.