Steering Column Repair: 92 Chevy C3500HD steering column loose, screw holes, tilt column

Question

92 Chevy This is an automatic with tilt. I can grab the steering column housing or bowl and rotate it over 1/8 inch in each direction. I've striped it down and can see the problem is the lock plate with the 4 screw holes. Nothing keeps it from rotating except the slots surrounding it in the housing. What can be done to tighten up this play?

Answer
Hello Ati:

Thanks for the picture...that helps a lot.  the looseness comes from the bolts not holding the plate tight enough against the tube (which you have circled in red).  That's all that holds this assembly together is friction and torquing the bolts.  my guess is the bolts were slightly loose when you removed them.  It looks like you have spread the tube apart to remove the plate.  Just make sure those ears on the tube are not torn --(they look ok to me).  when you reassemble it bend the ears back in place so all 4 corners of the plate are able to be tightend without slipping out of place.

We have recently uploaded some videos on our company website to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the loose tilt column you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step 2-3 minute detailed videos with instructions. Although the videos are for a Chevrolet truck, the column is very similar to yours.

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php

I hope these videos help you.  If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply locate the part and you can purchase it directly through the shopping cart.  We stock just about everything you would need to repair your car properly.
Good luck

Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com