80 Cutlass Supreme - Steering wobbly and shifter column off track.

[80Cutlasszupreme]

Hi folks. I have torn down my steering column and tightened the 4 bolts. I followed the steps of a previous video posted here. I am still wobbly at the base, my tilt doesn't flex, and my shifter column is slipping and not aligned. I would love any insight you might have on where else to look for the root cause.

 

[64nailhead]

Something is wrong or worn out. Sounds like you need to pull it back apart and find the issue.

I’ve battled with one column for an extended period to find that I wasn’t getting proper torque on the upper bearing due to splines weren’t good. I think I had it together and apart 4 or 5 times before I found the issue. It was worth in the end though.

 

[80Cutlasszupreme]

Something is wrong or worn out. Sounds like you need to pull it back apart and find the issue.

I’ve battled with one column for an extended period to find that I wasn’t getting proper torque on the upper bearing due to splines weren’t good. I think I had it together and apart 4 or 5 times before I found the issue. It was worth in the end though.

Thx for that. You are right. I took it to a classic shop for a second opinion. Turns out the column is worn and I'm better off replacing. I'm going to try and replace it myself. Can I do that from the top side?

 

[80Cutlasszupreme]

Looks like I need a new column. Would this o e work? Lussyken 33" Inch Chrome Tilt Steering Column Shift With Key, Steering Column Automatic for Chevy C10 Nova GMC Truck Classic Cars 1960-1972, GM Style National Speed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR2WPBRG/?tag=gbody-20

 

[pagrunt]

To be honest I'd stick with a original column from another G. That aftermarket has to be made to fit your car. Somebody here may have a good tilt colunm on hand. Just remember the '78 colunms have a splined shaft for the lower shaft as the '79 & newer had the doulble "D".

 

[80Cutlasszupreme]

To be honest I'd stick with a original column from another G. That aftermarket has to be made to fit your car. Somebody here may have a good tilt colunm on hand. Just remember the '78 colunms have a splined shaft for the lower shaft as the '79 & newer had the doulble "D".

So you may have been right, unless I need an additional part to match things up. I ordered a new one and confirmed with Jegs. Both are double D, but the new one has no bolt hole amd things look a little different.

 

[80Cutlasszupreme]

So you may have been right, unless I need an additional part to match things up. I ordered a new one and confirmed with Jegs. Both are double D, but the new one has no bolt hole amd things look a little different.

 

[64nailhead]

Thx for that. You are right. I took it to a classic shop for a second opinion. Turns out the column is worn and I'm better off replacing. I'm going to try and replace it myself. Can I do that from the top side?

It’s possible it could be past the point of needing new earnings, but I’ve never seen one that bad unless someone used vice grips in the threads.

I’m sure you could locate a used tilt column. But there is nothing wrong with an aftermarket column if that’s what you want.

 

[80Cutlasszupreme]

It’s possible it could be past the point of needing new earnings, but I’ve never seen one that bad unless someone used vice grips in the threads.

I’m sure you could locate a used tilt column. But there is nothing wrong with an aftermarket column if that’s what you want.

That's a good point. Im probably going to keep the old one and fix it as a side. I feel like I can fix it. I know it needs new bearings, and is probably lose at the point where the gear selector rod attaches. I probably just needed to go one more step to get to the root. I should probably ask the mechanic more questions about his diagnosis. Thx!