GM Steering Column Repair - How To Fix A Monte Carlo Tilt Column

1985 Chevy Monte Carlo Steering Column Repair

We've taken on this '85 Monte Carlo SS as our next new street car challenge. Since the steering wheel felt like it was ready to fall off in our laps, tightening it up became an instant priority.

We've taken on this '85 Monte Carlo SS as our next new street car challenge. Since the ste

If there is one trait that performance enthusiasts covet, it has to be interchangeability. One of the reasons GM cars are so popular with car crafters is that many of the same parts are used throughout numerous product lines that often extend over a decade. As one example, in the '80s and early '90s, GM used the same style steering column in many of its rear-wheel-drive vehicles, including trucks. While this is a good thing, the column also has as habit of becoming wobbly where the base of the tilt attaches to the rest of the column. The fix is merely tightening the bolts and adding a little thread-locking compound. While that sounds simple, getting to those bolts requires disassembling the entire top half of the column, and there is a basketful of little parts and linkages that must be maneuvered around.

Our budget '85 Monte Carlo suffers from this common malady, so we asked our resident repair expert, Tim Moore, to run through the process for us. This is definitely not recommended for first-timers, and you'd better have a factory service manual with you that has the exploded view of the column to help you return all the little parts to their rightful places. Plus, you're going to need two special tools designed to only work on these columns. The tools are not that expensive, but if you don't want to make the investment, it would be best to have a competent shop do the work for you. Because there are so many steps to this process, do not consider this story a step-by-step how-to. It will show you the major procedure. If you're feeling brave, Moore's suggestion is to work slowly and keep track of the parts in order of removal to make the job easier. The good news is that with an hour of so of effort, you can bring back that new-steering-column feel.

We won't detail removing the steering wheel because if you don't know, you would be best served not to attack the rest of the column. With the wheel off, use the OTC tool (PN 7031A) that compresses the coil spring enough to allow removal of the C-clip that retains the lock plate. Removing the C-clip usually requires two sharp probes.
We won't detail removing the steering wheel because if you don't know, you would be best s
After removing the emergency flasher button from the column, pull the top screw that holds the small lever that connects to the turn signal lever.
After removing the emergency flasher button from the column, pull the top screw that holds
The turn signal lever will twist, allowing you to pull it clear of the column.

Unscrew the three black screws that retain the turn signal cancel mechanism and pull on the assembly to allow it to clear the column.
Unscrew the three black screws that retain the turn signal cancel mechanism and pull on th
There is a small, black clip that retains the key buzzer linkage, this white plastic holder with two small brass arms (arrow). Note how the black clip is positioned, or you can refer to the exploded view in the chassis manual.
There is a small, black clip that retains the key buzzer linkage, this white plastic holde
Next, remove the small black screw that holds the ignition lock in place and remove the cylinder. If the key fits loosely or the lock cylinder is damaged, now would be a great time to replace it.
Next, remove the small black screw that holds the ignition lock in place and remove the cy

Remove the three silver T30 Torx screws that hold the large outer shell in place and carefully remove the top bearing inner race (arrow).
Remove the three silver T30 Torx screws that hold the large outer shell in place and caref
You may have to loosen the wire harness at the base of the steering column to create enough slack to pull the turn signal cancelling mechanism and the outer cover over the steering shaft.
You may have to loosen the wire harness at the base of the steering column to create enoug
You can use a large Phillips screwdriver to compress this tilt preload spring cover. A counterclockwise quarter turn will remove the cover and the spring.
You can use a large Phillips screwdriver to compress this tilt preload spring cover. A cou