I have a 89' sedan deville in excellent shape but i cant help but notice that whenever i hit a bump i feel the colum jiggle. obviously it needs to be tightened after 15 years on these rough buffalo, ny streets somthings gotta give. let me explain the problem, i can grab the wheel and wiggle it in a circular motion about a 1/2 inch up, and down when the car isn't moving. so when i hit a bump i really feel it. all i need to know is how to tighten this or even fabricate some kind of bushing. its not the colum it's self all that is tight.
it loose right were the hinging action is for the tilt. in other word the pivot point for the tilt. i dont see any covers or anything i can remove to get to the mechinism of the tilt to tighten anything. how can i get in!!???

Thanks in advance.

Dre

thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sarcasim)

Gee dude, if I'd seen your post I'd have told you. I've done a few of these, and it's pretty involved.You basically need to strip the whole moveable part of the column down to the inner shaft to get to the 3 bolts that are loose. It requires a few tools that are unique to column work and probably the better part of an afternoon. It isn't rocket science, but it is tedious and requires some mechanical aptitude. I can explain further if you'd like, but when you're doing it you need to be able to deduct for yourself how it goes together. Post again if you want and I'll help you if I can.

well, i havent atempted to fix it yet becuz my lazy azz wont go to the parts store to get a wheel puller. are there any other tools i will need before i start and after i get the tools then what do i do???

well, i havent atempted to fix it yet becuz my lazy azz wont go to the parts store to get a wheel puller. are there any other tools i will need before i start and after i get the tools then what do i do???

"http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/suspension/t_steering.html

don't be like me and do it at 10 degrees F out. That sucked bad.

I won't do it again.

Tom

10 degrees huh? Fingers must have been getting stiff. Better you than me brother. :eek:

You'll need a lock plate depresser tool and a tilt column pin puller. The pin puller you could probably make. The pins are just small rods with a thread hole on the end pressed into the column for it to tilt on, like a pivot point.
A small screwdriver and a small angled pick will help too. I didn't look at that link, but I'm assuming it walks you through the procedure. I would suggest doing it when you won't be disturbed for a while, and just lay all the parts out where you won't lose anything.
Once you get the lockplate out of the way, you'll see the turn signal switch. You can't pull it out unless you go under the dash and unplug it from the starting switch. You then pull it along with the wires and plug, out of the column. Like I had said, it just takes patience and using your head. Eventually the outer shell of the column where the ignition switch is will come off, and you will see three inverted torx head bolts loose down in the column.
A 1/4 IN. drive six point socket can be snuck in there to tighten
them. :coolgleam

And be careful, don't force anything. I broke part of it and it was never 100% right. The bearing races aren't the most forgiving. I really messed up mine. make sure you note which way they are facing, when it is 10pm, 10 degrees out, you miss a lot of things.

I made a pin pulled with an approprate size screw and used a pair of vice grips and a hammer. Worked pretty well on that column, don't work at all on another.

Just don't break the bolt off in the pin, that sucks, haven't done it, but that would suck.

And no, I won't do it again, it will flop till it is warm out next time! IF there is a next time!!

Tom

im glad i came across this post. I have the same problem on an 88 fleetwood. I was wondering if it could be fixed. Now i guess i'll have to attempt it.