Georgia Fiero Club Forum

All Things Fiero => Tech Tips, Tech Questions => Topic started by: Wreck It Ralph on March 06, 2021, 12:23:14 am

Title: Column questions
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on March 06, 2021, 12:23:14 am

Before I go reinventing the (steering) wheel... my column has a lot of slop in it. Meaning if I grab the wheel from the bottom I can push it up about an inch and it flips back down. I’m thinking this is in the tilt section? Tips?

Also has anyone shortened their turn signal? My knee just barely hits it and a half inch shorter would do the trick.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: GTRS Fiero on March 06, 2021, 08:09:39 am

There are 4 bolts that secure the column.  Your bolts likely aren't doing their job.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: GTRS Fiero on March 06, 2021, 08:31:40 am

I have always thought that the blinker stalk angle was a bit low in the Fiero.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: scottb on March 06, 2021, 08:40:54 am

http://fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: Fierofool on March 06, 2021, 08:49:34 am

The turn signal stalk as used in the Fiero was used way up into the '90s.  It was the same length in all the cars.  It just had a different profile.  Skinny at the bottom.  Fat at the bottom.  If you have a tilt column, probably the only solution is to tilt it up 1 click.

As for the loose steering wheel, there are a couple of places inside the column that are probably the problem.  Screws inside are known to loosen over time.  At some time, every Fiero will need these screws tightened. 

Both Pat and Scott have been into the columns to do the fixes.  Probably others have too, but I'm sure they can tell you what you need to do. 

I had to repair my first Fiero back around '94-95.  My fix was fairly easy because it was the upper set of screws.  After tightening them the first time, they came loose again.  Not wanting to LocTite them, I used Elmer's Carpenter's Glue.  Believe it, or not, I know where the car is, today, and the steering wheel hasn't come loose, yet. 

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: Raydar on March 06, 2021, 09:48:03 am

Check your email.
Note: I have not ever done this, but I've seen it done. Looks a lot like trying to giftwrap a bicycle.

Edit - Similar to Scott's article only different.

Awww... what the heck.
http://www.fieroinfo.com/howto/Inside_the_GM_Tilt_Steering_Column.pdf

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: GTRS Fiero on March 06, 2021, 09:48:57 am

Looking back to the newsletter article I did on the blinker stalks, there are different lengths of stalk.  I placed the stalks together.  Length is relative, though.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: scottb on March 06, 2021, 10:02:06 am

The hard part is pulling the pivot pins. I made a puller with a socket, a nut and bolt, and some washers. I've also used a slide hammer, but that is not recommend.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on March 06, 2021, 07:34:07 pm

Thank you everyone. I am going to take the one from the parts car and rebuild it 100% so I don’t have to rush. It looks easy enough and doing it on the bench should help. As for the blinker, I am going to see if I can modify and rotate it up. Not holding my breath though.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: GTRS Fiero on March 06, 2021, 07:38:15 pm

If you figure out how to change the blinker angle, I'd sure like to know.

Title: Re: Column questions
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on March 06, 2021, 07:40:03 pm

I’ll keep you in the loop. We may be moving it to HeadHunter1ID’s house soon.