[fasteddiewick]

I have an 01 firebird. Last time to the track for some HPDE, the steering columm/wheel started to move a bit when I would turn the wheel hard into a corner. It is moving at the area of where the tilt section of the columm. Is this a common problem? More inportantly, is there an easy fix? Bushings, etc.

If memory serves me right, It pulls down and to the right a bit to the point where it affects your concentration a little in the turns. I don't think anything is going to break, but I would like to fix it to feel a little more confident.
Thanks in advance,
Ed

[79T/A]

Contact Jason @ unbalanced engineering. I just installed the first set over oversized tilt pins he is now machining. They are larger in diameter than stock, and made from a harder grade of stainless. My column was the worst I've ever seen in one of these cars; it was shot. With the oversized pins it is like new, absolutely no play in the tilt mechanism.

Having said that, if you are not mechanically inclined, or have a fear of tiny, easily breakable parts - don't tear apart your column. I'm pretty confident with a wrench, but man that job is a PITA. There are great write-ups online to guide on through GM tilt column assembly. Not an easy job but well worth it in my opinion. Feels like a new car.

I was planning on going with Alan's replacement, but the car is still street driven from time to time so I was not prepared to lose the lights/wipers/signal functions on the column. The other option is trying to source a column with no play, but I searched high and low for the last 2 years and couldn't find a tight one. These cars are getting up there in age.

[Blainefab]

Contact Jason @ unbalanced engineering. I just installed the first set over oversized tilt pins he is now machining. They are larger in diameter than stock, and made from a harder grade of stainless. My column was the worst I've ever seen in one of these cars; it was shot. With the oversized pins it is like new, absolutely no play in the tilt mechanism.

Having said that, if you are not mechanically inclined, or have a fear of tiny, easily breakable parts - don't tear apart your column. I'm pretty confident with a wrench, but man that job is a PITA. There are great write-ups online to guide on through GM tilt column assembly. Not an easy job but well worth it in my opinion. Feels like a new car.

I was planning on going with Alan's replacement, but the car is still street driven from time to time so I was not prepared to lose the lights/wipers/signal functions on the column. The other option is trying to source a column with no play, but I searched high and low for the last 2 years and couldn't find a tight one. These cars are getting up there in age.

That's great, I hadn't seen that Jason was making the oversize pins - they are in his catalog now: http://unbalancedengineering.com/GM/Pins/

Your fixed column should be saleable at a pretty good price if you ever do retire the car from street duty and go with the race column.

I have not marketed the Woodward column for street use since the airbag is eliminated, and adapting turn signals/etc to a dash mount would vary by model and year and user preferences enough that every build would be custom.

[dailydriver]

I have not marketed the Woodward column for street use since the airbag is eliminated, and adapting turn signals/etc to a dash mount would vary by model and year and user preferences enough that every build would be custom.

I would not need air bag adaptability, as I have gone through (sometimes a VERY draconian) inspection without one for the last 14 years, but they WILL fail me for not having stalks, obviously, so I WISH that Woodward would produce one with them, as well as a quicker ratio, DIRECT BOLT IN, OEM style, POWER steering rack for these cars.

I do understand the fear of liability involved with manufacturing a 'street' column without the possibility of an air bag fitment though, EVEN IF there is a disclaimer/waiver involved. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

This post has been edited by dailydriver: Jun 28 2015, 11:50 PM