1991 blazer sterring column problems

[bghickson1]

hi i have a 1991 s10 bazer and last night when i was backing up my steering column like fell apart on me. It is not in separate pieces or anything but the actual steering wheel wont turn without the rest of the column going with it, and thats with the key in and everything. it is a 4.3 liter and i was just wondering how i would fix this. i also have a problem where it starts just fine when i start out the day, but after running for about 20 mins i can shut it off and try to start it again, and there is nothing at all. i just replaced the battery and alternator b/c the both went out on me on separate occasions. the blazer has 210,000 miles on it and has broken down on me 4 times in the last 3 weeks. can i please get some help? have no money to take it and get it checked out.

[Sen Sen]

just to clarify?
you can turn the steering wheel free of the column.

[s10blazerman4x4]

Does the whole column go with it? Thats what i think. My 91 does that but again it my steering column is that loose that theres no tightness in the steering Let us know

[bghickson1]

yeah the whole steering column goes with it. when i try to turn it locks and it all moves.

[ricksza]

Either the mounting bolts for the column (hold the column to the dash support) are loose or fell out, or if it's a tilt column, the bolts that hold the tilt assembly to the column housing came loose. The first, you can check yourself by removing the plastic trim under the column. The second, you will need special tools to totally disassemble the column to get to those bolts.