Steering column rebuilding?

Does anyone know where I can send my steering column out to be rebuilt? The dang thing shakes and wiggles around while I steer and the horn just perpetually honks until I disconnect the wire to the horns. If there is some one who will do it, what can I expect to pay? Thanks guys.

Maybe I could help you on this, it's not very difficult and all parts are available. I would do the whole thing for you, but right now I'm really busy with a total kitchen replace. Your horn problem is probably caused by a failed insulator, or perhaps a rubbed wire. The main thing to be careful of is dis-assembly and re-assembly because of the crush joint in the steering shaft. Be gentle when removing the rag joint coupler on the end of the shaft, the bolt will need to come completely out to remove the piece that's attached to the column. Don't wail on it with a hammer, the crush joint can be damaged. Send me an e-mail and I will make arrangements for you to get an exploded parts listing and view of the entire column. I would assume you have the tilt and telescopic column found on many of our vettes?

steveriebe@earthlink.net

Hey Big Fish,
I'm about to do a partial rebuild myself. I have the horn rebuild kit, but I think my problem is a rubbed wire. Any idea where the best place to look for this is? I really don't want to take the whole thing apart if I don't have to. Going beyond the lock worries me.
Thanks,
Glenn

gmurray said: Hey Big Fish, I'm about to do a partial rebuild myself. I have the horn rebuild kit, but I think my problem is a rubbed wire. Any idea where the best place to look for this is?

Glenn, Most of the time a rebuild kit will take care of the problem, it usually occurs in the outer insulator (directly under the spring). If there is a rubbed wire it would be very close to the contacts. I think you will be able to remove the contact block and check it out without totally disassembling the column. You will want to unplug the wiring to allow enough movement to pull that block out.

The shake and wobble is likly due to loose bolts just under the pivot at the tilt wheel. This was very common on all tilt GM wheels. You need to disassemble the column down to the pivot, tighten the bolts, and put it back together. This includes removing the piviot for the column. It can all be done in an hour by someone who knows how, and has the tools.

Ken Styer

Hope you guys don't mind if I cut in.....but I also have some play in the column right at the tilt. Wiggles about a quarter of an inch in all directions. I am going to look for the loose bolts. Thanks for the tip.