Posted by Doug M on September 09, 19100 at 16:33:10:
In Reply to: Re: Steering problem with '89 'burb posted by voodoojones on September 08, 19100 at 04:25:46:
: I have a 1988 it had similar problem.
: remove the steering wheel, horn dish and turn signal plate. Remove the locking plate under the strwh, be carful with the small clip that retains the locking plate. This can take two people to remove without special tools. One to push down on the plate (spring loaded) the other to pry the clip out. Now you should be able to see a round cast plate that has three screws securing it to the steering column. These screws are loose, tighten them, locktight if possible. There is'nt much room to access these screws. The steering spline passes through a split ball that is allowed to float inside the cast plate. I would also purchase a new key cylinder repair kit and upper column bearing. reinstall all parts.
There are 4 screws in all. They are a B*tch to get to. It costs $150+ to have these screws tightened in a shop. You'll need the steering lockplate depressor, and a special tool to pull the big pins out of the side of the steering column. I did this a year ago, cleaned everything up real good, and used locktite. The screws are loose again. Next time I make locking tabs to bend up over the bolt heads. It took me several hours to get at the screws and several more hours to put it all back together. You'll also need the shop manual. I made my own tool to remove the pins. I welded a small screw (that fits into the pins) to a larger 3/8 inch bolt, and used a socket as the fulcrum and a nut to pull out the pins. You won't get the pins out without this tool. ...or a slide hammer. You have to completely remoove the tilt portion of the steering wheel to get at all the screws.
On the plus side, your steering wheel will not come off accidentally. IOW, it's not dangerous to leave it loose.
Doug M
dougm at csolutions dot net