1970 Tilt Telescope problem

[Stephen B.]

I've had my tilt-tele apart to repair the typical wobble. The steering shaft housing screws were tight, and the pivot pins are snug. What else could be creating the wobble?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

Steve, Maybe The Lower Bearing On The Column Or The Preload On The Lower Bearing. I Beleive You Can Look At The Play Outside In The Engine Compartment While Having Someone Wiggle The Steering Wheel , Theres Not To Much Else That Can Cause Excessive Play In Column. Since You Had The Upper Column Apart I Assume The Upper Bearing And Race Are Good. Thanks Ed

[Dick W.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

I've had my tilt-tele apart to repair the typical wobble. The steering shaft housing screws were tight, and the pivot pins are snug. What else could be creating the wobble?

Loose nut behind the steering wheel (The Devil made me do it)

[Joel A.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

Not sure what you're calling the steering shaft housing bolts, but these are the ones that normally let the tilt flop. This is the best pic I can come up with at the time, but there are three fasteners. Those are always the ones I find loose when I have a floppy wheel...I mean, besides the one behind the wheel. If these are the ones you're talking about, then Ida know...

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

Here is a link to my T&T Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 in word.doc format. Pages 2 & 3 describe a number of quick tests that can be conducted on the column while it is still in the car.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ttcolumndr_1rev21mr2009.doc

BTW, the paper is also available in pdf format at the www.corvettefaq.com websight.

Jim

[Jack H.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

Check the pivot pin area again... The 'typical' cause for looseness is the 'fat American' syndrome--prior owners used the steering wheel in its fully upright position to HOIST their body up and out of the car.

That resulted in side loading pressure on the housing at the pivot pin interface causing the holes in the housing to enlongate around the harder steel pivot pins. The general direction of 'slop' from this syndrome is in the wheel's 10:00 to 4:00 position duplicating the cockpit exit stress.

If that's you problem (pretty common) you have two alteratives:

(1) Remove the pivot pins + housing and have a competent machinest hand craft and install bushings to eliminate the wear in the housing.

(2) Seek a scrap yard car from the era with equivalent TT steering wheel (e.g. Caddy, Buick) and use it as a donor for a fresh, low wear, housing to replace your existing but worn part.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

Thanks

I shall analyze the wobble over the weekend and report my findings.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Tilt Telescope problem

The 4th gear lock housing was welded as a repair. I'll have to find used parts to eliminate the wobble. Thanks for all of your help.