Well, I'd love to, but I really don't have any more info on it. If I get a minute after while, I'll try to find a schematic or part number for you.

 

I have a little bit of play in my wheel when it's locked. not a lot but it will move a little bit left and right (like just half an inch or less) is this due to the cog you're talking about?

 

Here's the best I could do on short notice. There are a couple of things that (supposedly) cause this issue. One, is a worn clock spring, which is shown in great detail in the following link. The other potential problem is the previously mentioned "cog" or "collar". I don't know that I see the cog/collar in any of these pictures, but at the very least, this would give you an idea of what you'll be dealing with if you pull the wheel.

I haven't personally done this repair, but have talked with a few people that have. I decided it wasn't worth messing with on my old car, and never fixed it before selling the car.

Link: http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/stereo...-controls.html


Note: I fail to see how a worn clock spring can cause the issue I was having and that I believe is being discussed here. The issue I had was play in the actual vertical tilt, not the turning of the wheel. I would have thought it was a issue with the column itself, but was told MANY times that this wasn't the case. I was also told this same problem will also cause issues with the alignment of the steering wheel to the front tires. The collar makes alot more sense as a culprit to me, given the symptoms.

 

If you're saying that the wheel has a little play when you turn it left to right when it is locked, this is normal. As stated above, the "play" I was experiencing was in the vertical tilt. However, if you're having too much slop or left to right play in the steering, that can be clock spring, or more likely, worn front end components or worn rack and pinion.