How come the steering column on my "87 Bird is suddenly all sloppy at the "tilt joint".? Even raising hell with my headlight dimmer.? Mechanic says he knows what it is (won't tell me..Why?) He also says he'll fix it for $300-$400 bucks. ;*) Any help here.??? .
Thx for reading, Deefii
There are 4 small bolts near the pivot that are loose. I couple special tools (lock plate depressor and pivot pin puller) and a hour worth of time to fix. That labor price is INSANE!
Check this out:
-Bruce
About double what it should cost. $75 an hour labor (average) x 2 hours, is about $150.
You have to dismantle the column (mostly) , Loctite the bolts and torque to spec. Common issue on all GM tilt columns of this vintage. Joe--ASE Certified Parts Specialist & 10th Ann.Club Tech Director '80 Carousel Red Turbo T/A, 27k orig. '79 "Y89" 400/4 speed 10th Ann. T/A, 57k orig '84 Olds 88 Royale Bgm 2 dr, 307 "Rocket" (lol), 143k and still going.... '91 S10 Blazer 4.3Z
Thanks to each of you (especially the Ladies ;*) ..just a small joke*
You all have answered my mystery greater than anyone could dream! I've messed with steering columns before - (my arthritis throbs) But i can understand and dig an afternooner & $150 max to cure! I have to sell this 'Bird.. and this is about essential for safety and so it isn't a "complete parts loss" - firm the price again.
ALL Appreciated, Guys, Deefii
I can see 4 hours if you've never done it before and you don't have a diagram but for a professional, 4 hours seems to be a bit much. You also don't *have* to loctite the bolts. I didn't and my column has kept together for 4 years but agreed, it's not a question of if, it's a question of when it'll come loose.
-Bruce
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