Steering Column Repair: Centering Sphere, pitman arm, tilt wheel

Question
Have a 1985 Tilt wheel column. Has about 200,000 miles on it. Replaced whole front end on my 1985 Monte SS. Made adjustments to my rebuilt steering box. Steering is right on execpt a 1/4 inch of play in the wheel. With the key unlocked and the car off, the steering wheel moves this 1/4 inch before any resisentce. Is this normal.It has been such a long time since the car was new and I forget how it was when new. Would changing the Centering Sphere and sping get rid of this minor slop? If so where can a new centering sphere be bought.

Answer
Hello Michael,
1/4 inch of play is not bad. In fact I would call it a little on the tighter side but thats probably because of your rebuilt steering box. Don't confuse resistance with binding. Having a too tight box will give you binding which is similar to normal resistance except potentially damaging the gears in the box. The best way to adjust the play in your wheel is to watch for the movement in the pitman arm. There is a fine line between the correct adjustment and too tight causing binding.
Most often the centering spring weakens from being overtightened. They should be readily available from GM Parts.
Hope that helps.
Have a great day!
-Jay