Steering column at tilt lever loose '88Century

[dddaaa]

On a 1988 century 4 door 2.8L, the steering wheel moves every which direction at where the tilt lever enters the column. How do I access this area to find what is loose (1) pull the steering column out or 2). remove the steering wheel and go in from there)?

Please help I gotta fix this!!!

[toddman67]

Pull the steering wheel and with any luck you will see three torx head screws that you could access through the locking plate. They have a tendency of loosening up when you use the wheel to get in and out of the car.

[dddaaa]

I got the steering wheel off and the plastic plate cover off, now I need to remove the locking ring by relieving pressure from the spring (Haynes manual says) there is a tool. Is there some way to jerry rig a tool as I dont know where this tool is????

Thank you so much for helping!!!!

Originally Posted by toddman67

Pull the steering wheel and with any luck you will see three torx head screws that you could access through the locking plate. They have a tendency of loosening up when you use the wheel to get in and out of the car.

[toddman67]

Sorry about that. Some of the locking plates have access holes. In your case you will need to get a locking plate removal tool. It compresses the spring so the locking ring can be removed. I have done this without the tool and 2 guys but it is difficult. You may be able to rent the tool from you auto parts supplier or call in a favor from a mechanic friend.
It is possible to fabricate a tool but I recommend getting the right tool. A good pick set helps to get the retention clip out. Try not to distroy the clip in the process.

[toddman67]

This is a kit that would satisfy the need. Advance auto

[dddaaa]

thank you so much!!! How do I use this tool exactly? You are an angle!!

Originally Posted by toddman67

Sorry about that. Some of the locking plates have access holes. In your case you will need to get a locking plate removal tool. It compresses the spring so the locking ring can be removed. I have done this without the tool and 2 guys but it is difficult. You may be able to rent the tool from you auto parts supplier or call in a favor from a mechanic friend.
It is possible to fabricate a tool but I recommend getting the right tool. A good pick set helps to get the retention clip out. Try not to distroy the clip in the process.

[toddman67]

First you would screw the black (just under the bolts in pic) center bolt onto the threads of the column. Then you will use the hoop (top right corner of pic) over the center piece already installed. The use the large nut to compress the hoop down on the lock plate asm. just enough to remove the retainer clip. Slide the clip up the center bolt and unload the plate.
Now you should be able to get to the torx bolts and tighten the column asm.
Reverse the process using the press to reinstall the lock plate and retainer clip. reinstall the horn contact and steering wheel. Good to go!

[dddaaa]

Autozone has both loner tools..unfortunately the guy there didnt know he has the spring compressor..so had to make 2 trips through rush hr traffic second time. Its dark now no garage so the project continues tomorrow..uggg. I sure hope once I get this difficult clip off (tried but no success so far), the torx bolts are easily accessable. It looks like more stuff will need to come off to get that deep inside column..like signals and stuff..what a job..goodness..gm could of made this much more accessable if the housing around the area had a bolt holding it on!! I might need more help Sat. so hope someone is here to guide me!

Originally Posted by toddman67

First you would screw the black (just under the bolts in pic) center bolt onto the threads of the column. Then you will use the hoop (top right corner of pic) over the center piece already installed. The use the large nut to compress the hoop down on the lock plate asm. just enough to remove the retainer clip. Slide the clip up the center bolt and unload the plate.
Now you should be able to get to the torx bolts and tighten the column asm.
Reverse the process using the press to reinstall the lock plate and retainer clip. reinstall the horn contact and steering wheel. Good to go!

[Blue Bowtie]

Wheel puller:



Lock plate removal:





Turn signal switch:





Upper bowl detail:





Pivot pin pulling:




Tilt joint access: