Steering Column Repair: 97 Pontiac Bonneville, pontiac bonneville, bolt heads

Question
On my car, the entire steering column is loose. Not the part that adjusts, but the entire things that leads down under the hood. I can move it every direction. There's a space where it starts to go under the dash. I know there's something that goes there so can you please tell me what it is and if its a quick fix?

Answer
Hello Henry:

Sorry for the delay, I was out for town for a few days.
The column has 2 sets of mount where it attaches to the dash and framework inside the car.  It sounds like the mounts for the column to the dash are loose or have slid out of place.

Here's what to look for and it may take 2 people to do this.  If you can, remove the lower dash panels revealing the 'belly' of the column to you.  Once visible, have someone move the column as you described while you are looking.  If you can see the upper mount moving, then you will need a new bracket for that portion.  If it seems secure, look at the lower bracket near your feet.  that bracket is integral to the column and all you will see is a black wrap-around metal strap with 2 10mm bolt heads.  But if the column seems to be loose inside that lower bracket, you will need to remove the column from the car and replace the internal cast piece that those 2 bolts attach to.

If you want, send me some pictures through our company website, info@stolenandrecovered.com of your column in the different loose positions.  I may be able to see what you see (maybe not)

Good luck
Doug