FAQ: Steering Column Slop, Problems & Replacement

From the same site,

https://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/steering-column-repair-how-to-instructions/gm-buick-cadillac-chevrolet-oldsmobile-pontiac/pivot-pin-removal.pdf

Honestly, I think my solution might be a lot easier. It's a crappy design. I never use the tilt at all. I think it would just wear again even with oversize pins. I'd be afraid of cracking the piece that the pins press into.

Yes, agreed. Depends on what I find when I get into it.
I have the tilt set where I want it and that won't change

I see now there is a retracting tool available if I choose to spend the money and replace with new or oversized pins.
Thanks, Larry.

Yeah, I just pushed my pin back in. I only did the right side as that was the one that had popped out. The other side is covered by the multi function switch. At the time, I just didn't feel like doing the extra work as the column tightened up enough where I never even notice it.

If you just want to push the pin in, that R/S pin is reachable from underneath if you remove that panel underneath, the one that mounts the OBD connection and lamp for the foot well. I was able to wiggle the steering wheel and shove the pin back in. You do have to disassemble everything to use my solution though.

My son broke the "Lower Support (#8 on page 2 of this long thread).  The P/N is 26039534.  Supposedly this fits both Rivieria's and Aurora's, 1995-99.  What I don't see is any write up on how to replace this part.  As in, Step 1, disconnect battery, Step 2-9 is removing lower knee bolster and instrument panel trim...that long 6' piece of plastic and then removing 6-7 E-torx screws to get the plastic column housing parts that cover the ignition key lock.  OK...plastic parts removed...what's next.  Silver pot metal lower support (AKA Support Arm Strg Col Jacket) is clearly broken, both pins are popped out...what do I do next???  Pull steering wheel with airbag off? What?  Anyone know a start to finish write up?  Read from pages 1-13 and need a little help.

OK...I've successfully replaced the whole steering column under the dash.  A true PITA to be sure but it had to be done since the knucklehead that towed the car to my place decided to try and pivot the wheels WHILE THE CAR WAS ON THE GROUND and wouldn't start.  Broke the housing where the pivot pins sit.  Anyway, it's all back together now but I can't figure out how to tilt the steering wheel DOWN to reinstall the dash trim, and as forums have spoken, you've got to "lower the tilt wheel to the bottom" in order to get the plastic trim pieces to fit.  I can't lower the steering wheel downward, and don't know if this is electrically controlled to disengage a lock.  Since the car won't start, I haven't found a way to lower the steering column manually.  The bracket with the black lever doesn't release any lock that I'm aware of.  Any ideas if this can be done without the car running or something. I did hook up the battery, but nothing engaged or disengaged.  Any ideas?  if someone has a Riv, can you pop on outside, put the key in, NOT START THE CAR and see if you can raise or lower your steering wheel.  That might help.

D'oh! Disregard. PULL the tab toward you and the wheel tilts. Got it working!