I would rather do plugs and wires than

[Joe 1320]

While you are in there, I would suggest replacing the ignition switch. Not the lock switch up by the wheel, but the ignition switch that rides piggyback on the topside of the column about 1/2 way down. These are notorious for failure and it's only about $25. I'm telling ya, it will save another major headache down the road. The high beam switch is right next to it. That might be good to replace as well.

BTW...... yes. Dealing with a steering column sucks at best. When some ^&*(^&*! decided to try and steal the GN, they cracked open the steering column to gain access to the rack. What a major PITA to take everything apart and reassemble. I feel your pain.

[Z Ya Later]

BTW...... yes. Dealing with a steering column sucks at best. When some ^&*(^&*! decided to try and steal the GN, they cracked open the steering column to gain access to the rack. What a major PITA to take everything apart and reassemble. I feel your pain.

Ok, not to hijack, but WHAT?!?! Someone tried to lift your GN?? Want me to make him disappear? Sorry, but that's a little personal...nobody tries to lift someone's GN and should get away with it. GRRRR!!!!

[Joe 1320]

Ok, not to hijack, but WHAT?!?! Someone tried to lift your GN?? :

Twice. One first time they cracked open the steering column and the alarm shut them down. The second time they only got the door open and the alarm scared them off. Now I use a locking steel collar around the steering column so that it can't be jacked.

[Z Ya Later]

Twice. One first time they cracked open the steering column and the alarm shut them down. The second time they only got the door open and the alarm scared them off. Now I use a locking steel collar around the steering column so that it can't be jacked.

Geez, makes you wonder how some people can sleep at night. My dad came out of work one day to find some dumb kid trying to jack the wheels. Now, my dad isn't the biggest guy in the world, and about as bald as Ken lol . But, I'm sure the kid felt the knee in the back of his neck while my dad held him down lol . Hence the reason the stock wheels aren't on right now.

Good to hear the SOB's didn't get your baby though.

[Dave Vince]

Big brother

Ever since big brother has gotten involved, forcing the automakers into all sorts of emission and safety items, working on cars has become a nightmare. I long for my old 67' Camaro. I could change the plugs in 1/2 hr. Took me 7 hours to change the plugs in my 95Z with headers. I don't think any part of a car is made with maintenance in mind.

[Z Ya Later]

Ever since big brother has gotten involved, forcing the automakers into all sorts of emission and safety items, working on cars has become a nightmare. I long for my old 67' Camaro. I could change the plugs in 1/2 hr. Took me 7 hours to change the plugs in my 95Z with headers. I don't think any part of a car is made with maintenance in mind.

They were made with 0-maintenance-needed in mind. What takes more time, working on your car or having the parts still working? Plus, what's safer, a steering wheel or an airbag (assuming proper posture, etc.)?

[Craig 94 TA GT]

While you are in there, I would suggest replacing the ignition switch. Not the lock switch up by the wheel, but the ignition switch that rides piggyback on the topside of the column about 1/2 way down. These are notorious for failure and it's only about $25. I'm telling ya, it will save another major headache down the road. The high beam switch is right next to it. That might be good to replace as well.

BTW...... yes. Dealing with a steering column sucks at best. When some ^&*(^&*! decided to try and steal the GN, they cracked open the steering column to gain access to the rack. What a major PITA to take everything apart and reassemble. I feel your pain.

Thanks for the advice Joe. I got get both parts from Kragen for around $50 shipped. Right now in the tear down process, I'm around number 22 in the diagram http://shbox.com/1/steering_column_exploded.jpg
How much futher do I have to go to get to it? Are there more tiny parts that go flying when I take it apart (#30 - 44)? And can I replace the switches without removing the dash or instrument panel?

Tracy, what is the area or number in the diagram that causes the play in the steering wheel?

Thanks for your help guys.

[Z Ya Later]

Thanks for the advice Joe. I got get both parts from Kragen for around $50 shipped. Right now in the tear down process, I'm around number 22 in the diagram http://shbox.com/1/steering_column_exploded.jpg
How much futher do I have to go to get to it? Are there more tiny parts that go flying when I take it apart (#30 - 44)? And can I replace the switches without removing the dash or instrument panel?

Tracy, what is the area or number in the diagram that causes the play in the steering wheel?

Thanks for your help guys.

Whatever area gets jacked up from trying to drive with your butt all the time lol j/k

[TraceZ]

Tracy, what is the area or number in the diagram that causes the play in the steering wheel?

Thanks for your help guys.

There are 2 pins, part #39 that will work themselves a little loose. they need to be tapped back in with a hammer.

or...

the 4 screws #61 can work themsleves loose.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

Just as a quick addition...
It turns out of the parts was the one I needed. I ended up getting a windshield wiper switch with the pivot ...the pivot was what I needed. That's a $130+ part...and I only needed the small pivot to it. I ended up paying $89 at Allied Auto, AC Delco p/n D6380D. For reference, that replaced an old, discontinued wiper switch in most part references - although they are exactly the same. So it turns out, I spent about $450 total, playing guess and check, for that tiny part.

[TraceZ]

Ouch. You could of just bought a used steering column from a salvage yard and called it a day for under half the cost.

Did you get the play in the tilt mechanism fixed?

Look at the bright side, at least you can say you know how it all works now.

That doesn't help much, does it.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I'm still working on the play, but haven't had much time to work on it. I finally got all the parts in today, so I didn't have much motivation...and work has been very demanding lately.
I think this was most frustrating because I couldn't even figure out which part it was. And not to mention the tear down of the steering column hurt. I love your analogy...jumping into a pool or razors LOL
But either way, I couldn't have gone this far without your and everyone's help. Thanks a bunch

[Craig 94 TA GT]

So Steve and I are almost finished reassembling this 1000 piece puzzle. Well, not really that close, but we finally figured out where all the parts go and put a few back together. It turns out that the play in the wheel was from a loose pivot pin, the left one. That was your problem, too, right Tracy? Well, when I hammered them back in, the force punched out the seat and race (13 and 14), to fit the upper shaft within the bearing ring. But we're 99% sure the spring pressure and lock plate installation will hold it or push it back in place.

Oh yea, I would have killed to have this:


http://home.t-online.de/home/O_Scholz/steering.html

[Z Ya Later]

So Steve and I are almost finished reassembling this 1000 piece puzzle. Well, not really that close, but we finally figured out where all the parts go and put a few back together. It turns out that the play in the wheel was from a loose pivot pin, the left one. That was your problem, too, right Tracy? Well, when I hammered them back in, the force punched out the seat and race (13 and 14), to fit the upper shaft within the bearing ring. But we're 99% sure the spring pressure and lock plate installation will hold it or push it back in place.

Oh yea, I would have killed to have this:


http://home.t-online.de/home/O_Scholz/steering.html

What?!?! We spent all that time pouring over diagrams when that was out there?! UGH!!! Now I definitely need some sleep...and a drink lol

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I know I seriously would have paid $100 for that....really. Maybe even $200 because I ended up wasting $360 on this ridiculous project.