Steering Column

[timkins]

Where do I go for information and parts on rebuilding a 80's Chevy steering column with tilt, key, column shift, wiper and cruise or is it better to replace it.

[enjenjo]

Is the top loose?

[wayne petty]

this is for the earlier column

http://www.superchevy.com/tech/sucp_0707_tilt_steering_column/index.html

this is closer to what you have

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0908_gm_steering_column_repair

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/56459/index.html

harbor freight has the pivot pin puller right now really cheep.. under 2 bucks..
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43072

while you have it down ... you might want to put in the part that looks like a bottle opener..  it transmits motion through from the key to the ignition switch which is mounted below...


this kit has the steering wheel puller and the lock plate depressor in one kit...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42031

most of the time... the steering wheel puller is available as a loaner tool.. along with the lock plate depressor from local parts stores....

if you live in or near a major city.. the pick you part type junk yards may have a steering column repair guy who can do the job in an hour or so...

[timkins]

No the top is not loose. If the wheel is not in the tilt position and I get in and grab the wheel to help get my big butt behind the wheel it will snap down to the tilt position and there are times that the key does not want to turn to the start position until I fiddle with the wheel and jiggle the key.
I think the articles that Wayne sent will be most helpful in repairing or tightening the column. Thanks

[wayne petty]

https://www.dormanproducts.com/images/items/hwrap1/6083211-3-007.jpg
83211  
    If the rack and pinion fails, the steering wheel and/or shift lever may not move in or out of the locked position, vehicle starts intermittently or not at all
   
Type:   Ignition Switch Kit
Make:   Chrysler/GM 2002-75 w/ tilt wheel
OE #:   7827156
Brand:   Dorman - HELP! - Carded

almost every parts store will have this.. ...  and you will have to tear down th e column almost completely to put it in...

if your turn signal switch is bad...  now is the time to think of a new one.. as you are going to have it all the way out..      you will also ned at least one special socket...  an E8 ..   its a torx socket.. think of a torx screwdriver...   then reverse it to where the torx head is o the top of screw..   i have used a 1/4" six point socket to tighten the 4 screws in question.. ..

there are lots of little parts that don't seem to fit anywhere   but they all do...


this is what you will run into on the lower column

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/08/ff/54/large/0900c1528008ff54.gif



and you want  to print this one as large as you can...

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/05/19/e9/large/0900c152800519e9.gif

on an 1980...  you will also need torx bits  or a folded torx driver kit.. think of a pocket knife.. but with torx screwdriver bits to flip out.. as there will probably be several torx screws holding it together..   at least a t15 for the lock cylinder retainer..  and 3 of a larger size like a t35 that hold the upper housing to the tilt assembly..

now is also a good time to change the ignition lock cylinder... if yours has any wear at all...

oh... and don't be intimidated...  i have talked people through this on the phone..