Steering Column Repair: RepairIgnition/RemoveSteeringWheel..., steering column repair, tilt column


Question
QUESTION: Broken Ignition/Housing-1987 CamaroLT.Have been starting car by  turning the 'peg' left where the ignition switch used to be housed and properly in place.Steering wheel,along w/tilt, blinkers,hi-lo beam,etc, has worked loose to 6-8in slack. Car won't make a sound now, battery is fine.No power to starter,I think one or more wires has come loose inside somewhere and rather than replace the whole column, I believe my problem can be fixed fr the top. Is there any special procedure that I'm missing? Or, am I really off the mark. Please make up my mind???

GM igntion rack gear
GM igntion rack gear  
ANSWER: Hello Ed:

My oh my...you have a few issues to repair here. luckily, they are all associated with the same procedure.  The reason you can't start your car is because the rack gear (picture enclosed) has bent due to the looseness of the tilt housing. It bent so much that it fell off the actuator rod that pulls the ignition switch to start the car.
You will need to replace the rack gear.
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


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

QUESTION: Hesitant to open up column for fear that I will need much more than the Ignition Rack you suggested I replace. As I don't want to bite off more than I can chew, I am considering replacing the complete column w/a used or reconditioned, and be done w/it. Pls advise w/your opinion and where I might look for a reasonably priced column. Haven't had much luck locally (PrinceGeorge,BC,CAN) I believe the vids and pics u supplied are just fantastic, Doug, and they should be adequate if I change the column, shouldn't they? Then again, am I selling myself short by not tackling the job as 1st explained.   

Thanks, again,
Ed

Answer
Hi Ed:
We don't show anything about replacing the column. All of our instructions are for repairing the columns in the car, so you will be on your own there.  
Regarding finding a column:
For used parts...Try this site.  You may be able to 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

Last option, when you pull the column out, you can send it to us (UPS is the least expensive) and we can rebuild it for you.

Good luck
Doug