[Torque454]

I have a 74 steering column in my 79 c-10 pickup. The steering wheel has always been a little wobbly but once i took it apart to replace the ignition lock, when i put it back together the horn would honk anytime you turned the steering wheel. I still havent got that part figured out.

Now today I took the steering wheel off to tighten up the sloppy turn signal lever and when i put the steering wheel back on it was REALLY sloppy. The nut was tight and the wheel was on properly. I didnt change anything except tighten the turn signal lever screw. The shaft that the steering wheel goes on will pull up and push back down about a half inch or so.

I have no idea whats wrong but I need to fix it! Any ideas? A diagram of how the column goes together would be nice - i need to figure out how to fix the horn.

[75gmck25]

I will have to think a bit about why it would be so sloppy. If the nut tightens up firmly, it should take out almost the play. I assume the play you are describing is when you pull the wheel up and down, not rotate it side to side.

Turn signal problems
Most likely - You may not have the turn signal cam fully seated into the housing, which means one of the screws is sticking up more than it should. It will appear to tighten up, but may not be flat. When you turn the wheel that screw contacts the horn ring at certain points and honks the horn. I made the same mistake when I put in a new signal cam a few months ago, and it took a while to realize that the new cam had some flashing on the side that prevented it from seating completely.

Another possibility - The end of the turn signal lever is not straight at the point where it bolts to the the plastic cam. You may have it on upside down, which will angle the lever arm so it is too close to the metal ring that goes under the horn. It may be touching the ring, which will ground it and honk the horn.

Bruce

[joe_padavano]

Is this a stilt column or not?

[455olds]

IF this is a tilt column, you more thanlikely have four loose bolts at the tilt junction. It is not real fun to fix but use locktite when you do it. If it is not a tilt then I don't know.

[Torque454]

Originally Posted by 75gmck25

I will have to think a bit about why it would be so sloppy. If the nut tightens up firmly, it should take out almost the play. I assume the play you are describing is when you pull the wheel up and down, not rotate it side to side.

Turn signal problems
Most likely - You may not have the turn signal cam fully seated into the housing, which means one of the screws is sticking up more than it should. It will appear to tighten up, but may not be flat. When you turn the wheel that screw contacts the horn ring at certain points and honks the horn. I made the same mistake when I put in a new signal cam a few months ago, and it took a while to realize that the new cam had some flashing on the side that prevented it from seating completely.

Another possibility - The end of the turn signal lever is not straight at the point where it bolts to the the plastic cam. You may have it on upside down, which will angle the lever arm so it is too close to the metal ring that goes under the horn. It may be touching the ring, which will ground it and honk the horn.

Bruce

'

I fixed the turn signal problem, the little screw that holds the lever on was just loose. I tightened it up and its ok. i'll check to make sure the cam is seated all the way anyways tho.

The play in the steering wheel is in and out. (not rotational).

[Torque454]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Is this a stilt column or not?

It is a tilt column.

[Torque454]

Originally Posted by 455olds

IF this is a tilt column, you more thanlikely have four loose bolts at the tilt junction. It is not real fun to fix but use locktite when you do it. If it is not a tilt then I don't know.

Its a tilt. I'm about ready to rip this column out and put in a 79-83 column like it should have in it. The lower end is different on the 73-78 column and the 84-87 column has the wiper control on the turn signal lever.

Anyways, Is there a diagram showing how to get to the tilt junction?

And just to clarify - the whole column isnt sloppy from the tilt joint on up - its just the shaft and the steering wheel. I may have to take a youtube video of it to show you guys what I mean.

[willowbilly3]

It could have a broken yoke or a pin missing. Also are you sure you got all the pieces back on? It almost sounds like the bearing race might be missing, or a spacer. If you have never tackled one of those columns, they can be pretty challenging . The top of a spark plug that has the removable tip, will thread into the pins and make a puller of sorts, should slide right out.

[Torque454]

I believe the upper bearing to be the culprit. I cant find the part to fix it tho. Anyone know where to get one?

[pepi]

Try your chevy dealer they sell that type of stuff.