85 Tbird steering column

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85 Tbird steering column

September 30, 2008, 01:08:57 PM

My steering column has a bit of "play in it". It seems a bit loose and can be moved up and right to left a little bit. Basically, if I grab the steering wheel and pull up and down it's a bit loose and it moves.

I am not sure if this is by design or if I have an issue there.

My problem is when you wiggle the steering column my stereo goes off, then back on.

Anybody had this issue?

I have never taken it apart, and if you have any helpful hints it would be GREATLY appreciated before I just start taking it apart.

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #1 – September 30, 2008, 11:56:54 PM

i've never heard of this, you might want to take it apart and see if its on there right. if the wheel is on good, then check the column. it sounds like when you wiggle the steering part of the ignition is grounding out it sounds like. just a guess. see if theres anything loose from the part your hands touch it till the firewall would be the best thing.

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #2 – October 01, 2008, 12:25:09 AM

There are four 5/8" bolts holding your steering column in place. Poke your head around up under the dash where your knees usually are....You'll see them. Removing them will cause the column to drop down and be held up only by the position indicator cable.....provided it doesn't break under the weight of the column.

Quote

it sounds like when you wiggle the steering part of the ignition is grounding out it sounds like

Possibly ignition switch related...

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #3 – October 01, 2008, 12:29:25 AM

Quote from: V8Demon;237914

There are four 5/8" bolts holding your steering column in place. Poke your head around up under the dash where your knees usually are....You'll see them. Removing them will cause the column to drop down and be held up only by the position indicator cable.....provided it doesn't break under the weight of the column.
Possibly ignition switch related...

thanks for putting more knowlege to my post. i knew someone with great knowledge would come after me.. i was hoping i wasnt completely wrong. but i've been hearing a lot about our ignitions larely.

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #4 – October 01, 2008, 06:31:52 AM

Whats up man? I had the same problem Check the tilt wheel assembly. Take the steering column cover off & move the wheel up & down. You'll find it. I done a temporary fix on mine with a big hose clamp.( 2yrs. ago) :D

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #5 – October 01, 2008, 10:57:22 AM

Great guys ~AC, V8Demon, dw43935 . . . . thanks a bunch. I'll take a look hopefully this afternoon. I really appreciate your responses!!!

(dw43935, roll'n those rims yet? Hope all is well)

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #6 – October 06, 2008, 01:24:54 AM

For what it's worth, mine did the same thing. I still need to check and make sure every thing else it tight, but I did find when I checked on the ignition that it was a loose spot. Mine was like that for a year, where the radio would go off and on. It got so bad last week it was shutting down everything, and that ain't good at intersections.

Anyhow, there was a few little tabs I was able to bend to tighten up the, well I suppose it's the ignition switch. Kinda a box thingy under the right side of the collum. Sorry, I am not all that great with what parts are called what.

Anyhow, it was a simple fix. I am sure you could see it under there, if the tabs are loose it will be easy to spot. Hope that helps.

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #7 – October 06, 2008, 07:15:55 AM

If the whole column moves, check mounting bolts at the opening in the dash... If it loose just below the steering wheel, check for loose bolts inside, there are a couple under the multifunction switch(wipers, flash to pass) that occasionally need retightening...

Quote from: TheEskimo;238580

For what it's worth, mine did the same thing. I still need to check and make sure every thing else it tight, but I did find when I checked on the ignition that it was a loose spot. Mine was like that for a year, where the radio would go off and on. It got so bad last week it was shutting down everything, and that ain't good at intersections.

The ignition switch is a known fire hazard on these cars, you should replace it.... There is even a recall on almost all '88-'92 F/L/M models...

85 Tbird steering column

Reply #8 – October 06, 2008, 07:28:00 AM

Quote from: TurboCoupe50;238585

The ignition switch is a known fire hazard on these cars, you should replace it.... There is even a recall on almost all '88-'92 F/L/M models...

Good to know, thanks.