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Old 03-18-2021, 12:59 PM   #1
Electricduane
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 107
1989 burb: the dreaded WOBBLY STEERING COLUMN

Sigh . . 1989 burb. Wobbly column. Column shift, tilt, intermittent wipers. I took it to a shop. They took a long time, finally called and said I need a new column.
Rebuilt or new, they cost around $1,000.
SO: Looks like I am on my own to try to fix the f#%$ thing.

Here is a youtube go-by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkrfwarlpD0

Questions:
1. WOBBLE. What actually causes the wobble? I understand the 4 bolts buried deep in the column cause it. Do the bearings (when worn) also contribute to causing the wobble?

2. BEARINGS. The video above does not (best I can tell) address replacing the bearings. When the column is torn down, is replacing the bearings easy, like self-explanatory?

3. BEARINGS: is this the correct kit to replace the bearings? https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=ppx_y...asin_title_o00...
4. If the "4 bolts" are loc-tited and tightened, and the bearings are replaced, is that pretty much it? Anything else to do while it is all apart?

5. TOOLS. I need:
A. steering wheel puller (can be rented from AUTOZONE/ORELLY).
B. lock plate remover: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=ppx_y...asin_title_o01...
C. Pivot pin remover: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=ppx_y...asin_title_o01...
Anything else I need?

6. Any advice re: replacing the wiper switch? Mine have never worked right, I bought the switch. . have no idea what I am doing, hope I can figure out how to remove the old one/replace with new one.

7. Any other words of advice or wisdom?

THANKS to all for the help! Pretty sure I will get it all apart and won't have any clue how to get it back together!

Last edited by Electricduane; 03-18-2021 at 05:47 PM.
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