"springy" play in tilt steering

ran a few searches, but didn't find anything that really described my problem. also, my old 92 RS did this, and my 98 Z28 does the exact same thing. the steering columns are very similar, so i am inclined to think it's another common GM problem, or maybe another normal "feature", like the noisy T56. my 92 was kind of a jalopy, so i never really bothered to fix it, but it irritates me in my newer ride.

my steering column has play in it, but it doesn't feel like the Torx bolts that were loose in my old Blazer. it has a more "springy" feel, rather than just a loose rattle. i'm not positive, but i think my old Blazer had this play too. it stays put while driving, but if you put much force on the wheel (i.e. hanging on during cornering), it moves sorta down & to the left, and feels springy. it feels like the play is coming from the tilt mechanism, and seems to happen in any tilt position.

any experience or ideas?

thanks - Trace

The '95 that I just bought does the same thing. Can't remember any other GM car I've owned being that way.

I have not noticed this on my 97 and I have autocrossed it. Did happen on one of my other cars, don't remember which one. But it was the three torx screws.

Yea Camaros have a bad problem with the tilt doing that. I have done several in the GM dealership i work in. The pins on the side of the column tend to back out or wear out. You won't be able to see the pins because the are hidden behind the piece that fits right behind the steering wheels. Also the tilt torx screws do tend to come loose but its causes more play in the tilt such as up and down more than the side to side springy feeling.

Yea Camaros have a bad problem with the tilt doing that. I have done several in the GM dealership i work in. The pins on the side of the column tend to back out or wear out. You won't be able to see the pins because the are hidden behind the piece that fits right behind the steering wheels. Also the tilt torx screws do tend to come loose but its causes more play in the tilt such as up and down more than the side to side springy feeling.

any link to how to fix?? or a simple description of how to fix?? :confused:

what if you don't fix what will happen?? :confused:

Haha I wish there was a simple description. You need several tools to get the column apart such as a lock plate compressor , etc. If you haven't been inside a f-body column i wouldn't advise it . There are things you have to watch out for such as a "washer" that if isn't put back into place your airbag could short and blow. If the condition isn't fixed the 2 wires that go to the ignition switch that read that little black chip in your key can break and your car won't receive the correct key signal. Which if that happens it won't fire the fuel injectors and the security light will stay on until repaired.


My ride (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2092348)

My 95Z does the same thing. Sounds like I will just leave it for now.