nice96gt
04-04-2006, 01:55 AM
Tilt Steering Pin Fix (Approx time 30min)
Tools needed:
- socket adaptable screwdriver (with 7mm socket)
- small rachet or 7mm wrench
- extension (if you don't have a socket adaptable screwdriver)
- WD40 (maybe)
If your steering wheel feels really flimsy like one of the pins has popped out, it probably has. My steering wheel actually moved diagonally about 2 inches when it's not supposed to. It's just supposed to move up and down. It's an easy fix though, and here are the steps to do it. I figured since this is my 3rd time doing it, I would take some pics. This is for a 96-98 but I'm sure it will be very similar for all 92-98 and 99+ Grand Ams.
Start off by unscrewing the tilt steering lever counter-clockwise until it comes of. Originally mine was really stuck so I sprayed some WD40 on the threads waited a few minutes and then work on it till it came free. Place that off to the side.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_rod.jpg
Next, unscrew the 3 (7mm ) bolts from the bottom of the steering column trim. Take these and set them off to the side.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/bottom_bolts.jpg
Pull the trim apart and set of to the side...It's just held together by clips. Sometimes the lower half gets stuck on the ignition but just play with it because it will come free fairly easily.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/steering_column_trim.jpg
I found it easier to unbolt the blinker arm and lay it off to the side out of the way. Remove the bolt from the top of the steering column and the one on the driver side of the steering column to be able to free up the blinker arm and let it hang off to the side. Both of these bolts are 7mm. The one on the side is a little awkward to get to but it's not that bad.
(top bolt)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/top_blinker_bolt.jpg
(side bolt)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/side_blinker_bolt.jpg
You'll see how the pin has popped out and isn't doing what it should be.
(pin out of place)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/loose_tilt_pin.jpg
Move the steering wheel to line up the holes and pop the pin back in. You may have to use something to slightly tap it back in while wiggling the steering wheel to get it into the right spot. It took some effort the first time but the stupid thing didn't want to go in, but it finally did. This time it took less than 10 seconds to line it up and pop the pin in.
(driver side pin)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_pin_drive_side.jpg
(passenger side pin )
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_pin_pass_side.jpg
Reassemble everything. Don't over tighten any of the bolts or you will end up cracking the plastic. Just get them snug and that will be fine. You just fixed your problem...Until it happens again.
BTW...watch out for the horn. That made me jump the first time I accidentally hit it putting the blinker back on. :lol:
Tools needed:
- socket adaptable screwdriver (with 7mm socket)
- small rachet or 7mm wrench
- extension (if you don't have a socket adaptable screwdriver)
- WD40 (maybe)
If your steering wheel feels really flimsy like one of the pins has popped out, it probably has. My steering wheel actually moved diagonally about 2 inches when it's not supposed to. It's just supposed to move up and down. It's an easy fix though, and here are the steps to do it. I figured since this is my 3rd time doing it, I would take some pics. This is for a 96-98 but I'm sure it will be very similar for all 92-98 and 99+ Grand Ams.
Start off by unscrewing the tilt steering lever counter-clockwise until it comes of. Originally mine was really stuck so I sprayed some WD40 on the threads waited a few minutes and then work on it till it came free. Place that off to the side.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_rod.jpg
Next, unscrew the 3 (7mm ) bolts from the bottom of the steering column trim. Take these and set them off to the side.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/bottom_bolts.jpg
Pull the trim apart and set of to the side...It's just held together by clips. Sometimes the lower half gets stuck on the ignition but just play with it because it will come free fairly easily.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/steering_column_trim.jpg
I found it easier to unbolt the blinker arm and lay it off to the side out of the way. Remove the bolt from the top of the steering column and the one on the driver side of the steering column to be able to free up the blinker arm and let it hang off to the side. Both of these bolts are 7mm. The one on the side is a little awkward to get to but it's not that bad.
(top bolt)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/top_blinker_bolt.jpg
(side bolt)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/side_blinker_bolt.jpg
You'll see how the pin has popped out and isn't doing what it should be.
(pin out of place)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/loose_tilt_pin.jpg
Move the steering wheel to line up the holes and pop the pin back in. You may have to use something to slightly tap it back in while wiggling the steering wheel to get it into the right spot. It took some effort the first time but the stupid thing didn't want to go in, but it finally did. This time it took less than 10 seconds to line it up and pop the pin in.
(driver side pin)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_pin_drive_side.jpg
(passenger side pin )
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j43/nice96gt2/Steering_Column_Pin/tilt_pin_pass_side.jpg
Reassemble everything. Don't over tighten any of the bolts or you will end up cracking the plastic. Just get them snug and that will be fine. You just fixed your problem...Until it happens again.
BTW...watch out for the horn. That made me jump the first time I accidentally hit it putting the blinker back on. :lol: