FAQ: Steering Column Slop, Problems & Replacement

9ty7rivi wrote:

albertj wrote:

9ty7rivi wrote:

I just recently pulled the steering wheel from a 99' rivi. Would it be a direct bolt on or will I be looking at a headache for my swap?

I don'[t know for sure, but it should bolt on.

For the rest of you, that wheel was used in a bunch of Buicks of that era including the Skylark, however the different 'versions' had different part numbers but only really differed as to what color they were painted, whether they had leather grips sewn on, horn pads, and switch pack (radio/HVAC)

Thanks for the response. I'm just waiting on my mechanic for a quote or i'll be attempting this myself...

As long as you have the FSM for instructions, and the proper tools, the only likely headache will be re-setting the trouble code for the airbag. Be sure you use a righteous puller for pulling the wheel.

albertj wrote:

9ty7rivi wrote:

albertj wrote:

9ty7rivi wrote:

I just recently pulled the steering wheel from a 99' rivi. Would it be a direct bolt on or will I be looking at a headache for my swap?

I don'[t know for sure, but it should bolt on.

For the rest of you, that wheel was used in a bunch of Buicks of that era including the Skylark, however the different 'versions' had different part numbers but only really differed as to what color they were painted, whether they had leather grips sewn on, horn pads, and switch pack (radio/HVAC)

Thanks for the response. I'm just waiting on my mechanic for a quote or i'll be attempting this myself...

As long as you have the FSM for instructions, and the proper tools, the only likely headache will be re-setting the trouble code for the airbag.  Be sure you use a righteous puller for pulling the wheel.

I do have the FSM. Will a puller from auto zone suffice or would I need too purchase one? With the FSM would it still be a headache resetting the trouble code?

9ty7rivi wrote:

albertj wrote:

9ty7rivi wrote:

albertj wrote:

9ty7rivi wrote:

I just recently pulled the steering wheel from a 99' rivi. Would it be a direct bolt on or will I be looking at a headache for my swap?

I don't know for sure, but it should bolt on.

For the rest of you, that wheel was used in a bunch of Buicks of that era including the Skylark, however the different 'versions' had different part numbers but only really differed as to what color they were painted, whether they had leather grips sewn on, horn pads, and switch pack (radio/HVAC)

Thanks for the response. I'm just waiting on my mechanic for a quote or i'll be attempting this myself...

As long as you have the FSM for instructions, and the proper tools, the only likely headache will be re-setting the trouble code for the airbag.  Be sure you use a righteous puller for pulling the wheel.

I do have the FSM. Will a puller from auto zone suffice or would I need too purchase one? With the FSM would it still be a headache resetting the trouble code?

IIRC you need to use other bolts with the loaner AZ puller - I can't find the post about this ATM but it should not be hard to find using a Google search on the web. Something like "puller GM steering wheel" As for the code, not all scan tools will reset the airbag codes, you may need to snag a TechII or visit a dealer.

[quote="albertj"]About the steering column tilt pins loosening:  there is a source of slightly oversize pins you can install. I am having these installed:

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/gm-buick-cadillac-chevrolet-oldsmobile-pontiac/pin06-pivot-pins.php

I *may* also apply the fix where you install a flat piece of metal over the pivot pin to hold it in place. We'll see.  I have to pull the dash off to replace the radio and fix a bulb out in the climate control.  I also have to go in the drivers' door and install a replacement keeper on teh end of the lock rod.

Thing I am grumbling to myself  about is the unobtainium plastic parts are starting to embrittle.

Albertj

Alberti did u ever use these pins

71stagegs wrote:

albertj wrote:

About the steering column tilt pins loosening:  there is a source of slightly oversize pins you can install. I am having these installed:

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/gm-buick-cadillac-chevrolet-oldsmobile-pontiac/pin06-pivot-pins.php

I *may* also apply the fix where you install a flat piece of metal over the pivot pin to hold it in place. We'll see.  I have to pull the dash off to replace the radio and fix a bulb out in the climate control.  I also have to go in the drivers' door and install a replacement keeper on teh end of the lock rod.

Thing I am grumbling to myself  about is the unobtainium plastic parts are starting to embrittle.

Albertj

Alberti did u ever use these pins

Yes I did. I had the local GM dealer install them at same time as replacing ignition switch and turn signal switch. The pins worked great. So did the other fixes. At some point I need to pull the clamshell apart again the wrap a strip of foam around that multipin connector, it rattles sometimes.

Albertj
.

LARRY70GS wrote:

Albert, got a line on those keepers?  Last time I had my car painted, I guess the body guys thought they were optional parts.  Lit them up about that.

Larry did you ever replace those keepers?  When my car was in the shop, they broke the door handle and replaced it - and did not reinstall the little rod that interfaces with the switch on the latch (for remote locking).  

AIEEEEEEEEEEE!

Let me know what you did.

Albertj

No, I did not. The rods haven't fallen out either, LOL. Every time I pull the door panels, I break something. Like Steve said, everything is brittle.

LARRY70GS wrote:

No, I did not.  The rods haven't fallen out either, LOL.  Every time I pull the door panels, I break something.  Like Steve said, everything is brittle.

I lan to go into my passenger door "one last time" to fix the pull handle light and replace the window motor (I got one of the high speed OE ones not long ago). I am sort of waiting while I figure out how to replace the water barrier - can't figure out what material GM used. Looks like neoprene impregnated fabric but it's not - would not have got brittle if it was. I had bought the drivers side long ago, just installed it. Should have bought the pass side too as it is now unobtainium.

You are right about breaking something pulling panels. It's a trip.

Albertj

Howdy, using the search bar led me here, so figured this might be the thread to ask this on...I recently got a Riv column and it has a chunk broken out of the lower plastic shroud


Forgive my noviceness, but is this going to be an issue or will I be fine with it as is?

Honestly, I don't even recognize that part. What year Riviera?

LARRY70GS wrote:

Honestly, I don't even recognize that part.  What year Riviera?

A 96, and it is at the very end of the column.

A better pic.

Trevorusn wrote:

LARRY70GS wrote:

Honestly, I don't even recognize that part.  What year Riviera?

A 96, and it is at the very end of the column.

Is that metal or plastic? If it's plastic, I'd just JB Weld it. Is it just an end cap on the bottom of the column before it goes through the firewall?

Looks like plastic. JB Weld it, no ones ever going to see it.

LARRY70GS wrote:

Trevorusn wrote:

LARRY70GS wrote:

Honestly, I don't even recognize that part.  What year Riviera?

A 96, and it is at the very end of the column.

Is that metal or plastic?  If it's plastic, I'd just JB Weld it.  Is it just an end cap on the bottom of the column before it goes through the firewall?

Its just plastic, looks to be a dust cover that couples over where the columm joins the rest of the steering assembly.

LARRY70GS wrote:

Looks like plastic.  JB Weld it, no ones ever going to see it.

Lol no worries then, I was more concerned on function over looks, but if its ok as is or with a good gluing than all is well.

Yeah, it doesn't look like something you can't fix to me.

Wait a minute... steering column has OTHER end? Apart from the end that gets sloppy, problematic and all? Get out! Wow!

Obviously, no one ever seen that plastic cap before

DeepFrozen wrote:

Wait a minute... A steering column has OTHER end? Apart from the end that gets sloppy, problematic and all? Get out! Wow!

Obviously, no one ever seen that plastic cap before  

Lol, indeed! But seriously, is that cap really uncommon?? That is quite interesting.

...

Okay, Larry, your great idea seems to have been advanced by Brutusk.
Am wishing this was a kit I could use to stop this flaw from from getting worse, once and for all, but this was 6 years ago

Does removing the upper and lower shroud on the steering column require disabling the SIR system?

I'd like to do Larry's pin mod.

denim wrote:

Does removing the upper and lower shroud on the steering column require disabling the SIR system?

I'd like to do Larry's pin mod.

No, but it is always prudent to remove that fuse whenever working on the steering wheel or column.


Removing the clam shell requires removing the IP fascia and knee bolsters to get to the rear most screws holding the clam shell together.

Got it.
Thanks.

A little more advice, please?

I see the oversize replacement pins are available here:
Steering Column Services

My wheel is only a bit shaky, but I'm inclined to replace the pins if its not a bear to do. Then, I'll lock them in similar to Larry's concept.

How does one get them out? And, I assume they tap right in after that?