Steering Column Repair: 1987 monte carlo steering column lose, tilt work, salvage yards

Question
QUESTION: Douglas, my monte's column is loose, so I've opened it up and tightened the four screws that keep it tight. In the process of reassembly, a flat spring about 1/8" wide and semi circular with a open hook end came flying out from under the two barbed arms that hook and make my tilt work at the top of the column. I can't find out where this flat half round spring steel thing goes. Any Ideas? Dustin

ANSWER: Hi Dustin:
The 'small leaf spring' you are referring to is supposed to go under the silver rack gear on the shelf of the tilt housing itself.  It provides spring tension holding the silver rack gear up against the black round sector gear.  Your ignition will work fine without it and you shouldn't worry about leaving it out.  I have found it missing when I got there and assembled many columns without it.  Never has one come back for any particular problem.

I hope your column is tight now & you should be fine.

Good luck
Doug

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Doug, you have answered my question, now would I be able to put an steering column out of a 1985 Camaro into my Monte with out too much work? I have access to a Camaro now which has a good column in it. Thanks again for helping me.. I rated you as high as it goes, but I'm not sure it went thru on my computer. Is there any way I can check?   Dustin

Answer
Hi Dustin:

Although the upper end of the column looks identical, the mounting at the floor is different and they do not interchange.

If you're doing a lot of car work and need to know the interchanges or want to find used parts, try this site.  I'm sure you can find what you need.

www.car-part.com

It's the website all the salvage yards use when they say "Hang on--let me see if my other yard has it".  Actually it's an online database of all the salvage yards in America.  You can search by part, location or price.

I hope this info helps you.  Good Luck
Doug