[JimMueller]

Not sure where else to post this, feel free to move.

For years my steering column has been collapsing at the 7 o'clock position. I've always read that it was loose tilt bolts within the column but that it wasn't a safety issue. I finally had a shop (formerly a dealer) inspect and tighten the tilt bolts but they told me they were barely loose... that the column is loose at the joint.

This is my only vehicle so I would prefer minimal down time. I've located a new OEM column at my cost of $1000. Else I might be able to pickup a used one locally but would be leery of it's quality and would need to locate a local rebuilder. It's more a annoyance than anything, but if I consider the price reasonable I'd like to take care of it.

[cccbock]

With you on the column replacement. I tried to rebuild my old one and quickly found it well beyond my mechanical skills.

I ended up with a used one from a local recycler which was indeed better, but still had the issue.

Don't forget that the new column must come with the proper key(s), and the security resistor in the key may not match what you have requiring further mods.

[FASTFATBOY]

With you on the column replacement. I tried to rebuild my old one and quickly found it well beyond my mechanical skills.

I ended up with a used one from a local recycler which was indeed better, but still had the issue.

Don't forget that the new column must come with the proper key(s), and the security resistor in the key may not match what you have requiring further mods.

Plenty of threads on tech with pics to walk you through the steering column teardown.

You can bypass the key pellet requirement, also instructions on tech. It's simple. Or you can just swap your key and tumbler into the other column.

Very hard to find a used column that doesn't have this issue.

[cccbock]

With you on the column replacement. I tried to rebuild my old one and quickly found it well beyond my mechanical skills.

I ended up with a used one from a local recycler which was indeed better, but still had the issue.

Don't forget that the new column must come with the proper key(s), and the security resistor in the key may not match what you have requiring further mods.

Plenty of threads on tech with pics to walk you through the steering column teardown.

You can bypass the key pellet requirement, also instructions on tech. It's simple. Or you can just swap your key and tumbler into the other column.

Very hard to find a used column that doesn't have this issue.

I ended up bypassing the key resistor by installing a permanent one in line. My car was race-only...If I were doing a daily driver I would not go that route.

Wanting to maintain the stock column functions, I did attempt the column tear down as described and got pretty far with it and decided that my skills and patience would not see it through.

FWIW, the "new column" was better at first but it developed the same issue over a period of time.

Whichever way you go, triple check all the bolts on the reinstall. I had a race tech inspector find a loose one on mine that could have become a bad day

This post has been edited by cccbock: Sep 11 2013, 12:13 PM