GM steering tilt steering column repair.

Iv been on this forum for a while and have not brought any new info to the table in a while.  
 I pulled the column out of a 1986 chevy truck to make this thread with, if you can fix one of these model delicate column then the older stuff is no problem especially if its a straight.

 This is a tilt cruise and intermediate wipers optioned unit, it will cost about $200 for all the parts depending on where you get them.  most of the time the only thing bad is a couple of switches and the original grease is dried up.
  if your tilt wheel is sloppy where the tilt pivots this will get you to the area that is the problem.

I like to remove the column for major teardown, but,,, it can stay in the vehicle.  Use much care with the tiny delicate parts and dont pile them in a seat if your unfimilar.

You need this lock plate tool to work on these columns they are cheap from the local part store


 Other than that, only basic tools are necessary to do this job.  

Ok with the steering wheel removed, install the lock plate tool and gently compress it till you can get at the snap ring DO NOT, overtighten the  tool it can damage the cancel cam.



another shot of how it works
 

Now with the lock plate out of the way remove the spring and cancel cam, there is a bearing cone under the spring, it wont come out at this time but keep it in mind and dont loose it.  it takes up slack so the spring will work correctly.




Now remove this screw and bracket, it connects the turn signal cam to the lever.


lay all parts out on a table in the order you removed them to make this job much easier.  

Now remove the hazard flasher button, and the 3 screws holding the signal cam.

 

I have this column locked in a vice to make this easier.

now remove the column support bracket and the wire harness bracket take note of how they are installed.



 

now the wires are hanging unobstructed, gently  pull the turn signal cam out, you may need to shift the shift lever down to open up the slot for the terminal to come through.

If your not re using your signal cam, just cut the wires off and pull it out.
remove this conduit, taking note of how its installed and the one holding the cruise wire also.



 pull the switch out
 

now remove the bolt thats holding the ignition cylinder, (NOTE) older models simply use a flat head screwdriver to depress a button and pull out the cylinder.



 

now remove the key buzzer switch (if equipped)   then the 3 shiny torx screws



ok from this point on its gets more tricky and tedious, all the delicate parts are from here on down so take time and dont force anything.

 If your working on an 80s unit with the buldge on the side around the signal lever, hold it down while your remove the main collar. it and the wiper switch harness must come out together so feed slack as you go.

 

now let the collar hang, and gently remove the small piece




note how the bracket sits against the dimmer switch rod.
 

larger pic
 

with dimmer switch parts on the table go ahead and gently pull the cruise and wiper wires up through the column noting how they route take time and study the inside of the column.

 They must be installed the same so they wont rub when the shifter is moved, which would of course shorten the life of new parts.

 

Ok,,,, Now install the tilt lever and tilt the column to the full up position to relieve most of the pressure on the main spring. then use the appropriate sized tool to push in and turn counter clockwise to unlock the spring retainer and remove the spring.





Take note of this picture, if this retaining spring gets damaged or installed properly it will most likely jam or bind or break the spring

 

Remove the spring. it may take some finagling to get it out gently.



Youll have to find some small machine screws to fit the pivot pins these screws I used  are out of a 1971 C10 turn signal lens.
Use a hammer to gently pry the pins out it may take some effort. You may have to tilt the mechanism to and fro if its froze in bad
 

with the pins removed, you have to install the tilt lever then pull it to unlock the tilt lock cams and gently slide the collar away from the base carefully noting how everything goes together.

I didnt get precise pics of this but you will easily see everything as it comes apart as your doing this.



take note of how this slider hooks on the switch rod it can easily be installed wrong. this is the most difficult part to get reinstalled correctly.  you must double check its function upon assembly at this point.

 

Now your down to the heart of most of the sloppy problems with these columns
 this is called the steering sphere, I bought the last one I replaced from GM, but most resto catalogs sell them (take note of how the steering shaft goes together, it can be installed 180 deg the wrong way and this will but the steering wheel on upside down



grease it upon installation