QuestionI just purchased a 89 jeep cherokee with a few minor issues. The one i've never seen is that the tilt steering column is not tight the wheel wobbles in all directions. The vehicle steers fine , this looseness appears to be in the tilt mechanism. How to proceed?? Thanks Luke
Answer
loose tilt
Hi Luke:
It sounds like the tilt knuckle is loose. This is very common on older GM & Jeep vehicles. In order to repair it, the column needs to be disassembled down to the lower shift bowl. That means everything has to come off...and then you can get to the bolts that hold the 'stand' to the column tube. There are 4 inverted torx bolts that come loose or come out completely and need to be reinserted and tightened.
It's a big job and if you've never been inside a column like this, I wouldn't start with this job. It's just about a full overhaul. Our company charges $175 to repair this and it takes out trained techs about 1-1.5 hours (it gets easier after you've done a couple hundred). If you decide you want us to do it for you, you can UPS the column to us & we will rebuild it for you. Contact us through our website (http://www.stolenandrecovered.com) if you decide you want to pursue that avenue.
Otherwise, I'll enclose an exploded diagram if you think it will help. You are after the bolts I pointed to with the red arrow.
Here’s what you need to do. You will need 3 special tools to complete this job.
Disconnect and remove:
1. the steering wheel,(special puller needed),
2. the lock plate,(a special spring compressor tool needed)
3. the horn cancel cam,
4. the turn signal switch,
5. the lock cylinder,
6. the upper lock cover, (with the wiper switch and cruise arm still mounted inside)
7. the tilt housing spring (push and rotate the locking cap and release the spring gently),
8. the tilt housing pins on each side (the third special pivot pin puller needed),
9. the tilt housing with bearings and the ignition rack gear...
…and then you can get to the 4 bolts that hold the tilt mechanism to the tube. Before the upper shaft happens to fall off, take note of the notch on the tip so you can reinstall the shaft EXACTLY in the same position you took it off. Otherwise your steering wheel can end up upside down.
Once the bolts are tight, you now have the monumental task of putting it all back together and aligning the gears for the ignition along with the dimmer actuator and rod (all at the same time).
Good Luck
