GM-GMC: loose steering wheel, salvage yard, steering columns

Question
Hi Harry, thanks for taking the time to field this question.  I have a loose steering wheel; it wiggles from side to side and a little up and down.  It's an older Chevy (1988), & I removed my horn cover the other day and noticed nothing out of the ordinary.  It seems like the problem is a little deeper/down the column.  have you come across anything like this before?  Any advice?  Thanks!
Josh

Answer
Josh,

The steering column rides in bearings at the top and bottom of the shaft.

On older vehciles, excessive play in the bearings causes the shaft to get loose and wiggle.

Your best bet is to find a good used steering column from a salvage yard and replace your column with it.  If you cannot find one locally, try www.car-part.com

I have replaced the steering columns on my 1983 and 1984 GMs for the same reason.