I recently re-installed my steering colum after removing it to change to a manual pedal assy.

Upon re-installing it, there is significant steering wheel side to side play. It appears that the colum has alot of play right arount the 'tilt' mechanism. Anybody ever seen this? How do you fix?

Help!!!!

 

Double check that you tightened down the 2 bolts that attach the steering column to the dashboard support frame.

 

If the bolts holding the column are all tight you probably have a common problem on GM tilt columns. I wasn't aware that the newer cars had this problem but I just fixed it on my 89 truck. There are 4 bolts inside the column that come loose. This allows the wheel to move side to side and up and down.
It isn't hard to fix but takes a lot of dissasembly to get to them. This link is about fixing a truck but I think all GM columns are simular.

http://experts.about.com/q/Steering-...uck-w-tilt.htm

Since it requires a couple of tools you probably don't have and the airbag will make it more difficult I would let a shop fix it. It probably won't cost much more than buying the tools and it will be their problem if they mess up the airbag.

 

4th gens used the same basic column, other cars changed

 

Thank you for the replies! Looks like I'll be taking it apart to fix! I appreciate the help!

SpeedyV10