QuestionQUESTION: I own a 2004 Cadillac DTS with an automatic tilt steering wheel which automatically resets itself depending on which key is used to lock/unlock the car. A couple of months ago, it started making a grinding or rubbing noise when it resets. It only makes the noise while resetting when I get in or out of the car. The dealer has told me that the only fix for it is to replace the entire column, a very expensive proposition. Is there another fix?
ANSWER: Hi John:
From what I can see in the service manuals, although the tilt motor assembly is removable, the replacement of that part (if that's even the problem) may be more expensive than replacing an entire column with a good used one.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend a new one as they can cost up to $1400 plus labor. A used one will work fine but need to have the electrical and ignition components transfered over from your car (antitheft system & lock)
That's the best advice I can offer you
Good luck
Doug
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QUESTION: I've also been told that this is a Cadillac unique steering column, but then someone said it was a common GM part. Do you know which is true?
AnswerCadillac only, but try this site. You may be able to find what you need and see if it crosses over to anything else (and what years it exchanges with).
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
Doug
