1992 Corvette Tilt steering column

[Tom B.]

Hello,

I have a 1992 with a tilt steering column. When you lock in the column at the desired position it locks in but it has play. My questions are:

Does anyone have an idea what part needs to be replaced in the column?
Is it an easy fix?

Thanks for the help

Tom

[Jack H.]

Re: 1992 Corvette Tilt steering column

It could be as simple as simply re-tightening the upper housing bolts (considerable steering column disassembly required but CAN be done with the column in place), but that's the exception rather than the rule. If 'play' you see is primarily in the 10:00 to 4:00 direction, expect to discover internal damage from the 'Fat American' syndrome which is rather common.

This sydrome results from prior owners tilting the column into the full upright position and using the steering wheel as a 'grab assist' to hoist their body out of the car. The upper housing is fabricated from pot metal and pivots around two screw-in steel pins positioning the upper housing relative to the lower housing. The excess strain of using the steering wheel to lift the driver up/out of the car typically results in the pivot holes wearing (going from smooth tight circles around the pivot pins to eliptical shape).

The traditional 'fix' is to replace the upper housing but some have had machinest's drill out their worn/damaged upper housings and fabricate bushings to absorb the dimensional difference. Either way you go, you'll need a good exploded diagram of the steering column and the appropriate special tools to get inside to the point(s) of damage...