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Author Topic: Column questions  (Read 13960 times)

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Wreck It Ralph

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Column questions
« 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.
1988 Fiero Base 4cyl 5spd.
1986 Fiero GT ... Parting out. Let me know if you need something.

GTRS Fiero

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2021, 08:09:39 am »
There are 4 bolts that secure the column.  Your bolts likely aren't doing their job.

GTRS Fiero

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2021, 08:31:40 am »
I have always thought that the blinker stalk angle was a bit low in the Fiero.

scottb

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2021, 08:40:54 am »

Fierofool

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #4 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. 
There are three kinds of men:

1.    The ones that learn by reading.
2.    The few who learn by observation.
3.    The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.    Will Rogers

Raydar

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #5 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
« Last Edit: March 06, 2021, 09:49:36 am by Raydar »
...

GTRS Fiero

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #6 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.

scottb

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #7 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.

Wreck It Ralph

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #8 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.
1988 Fiero Base 4cyl 5spd.
1986 Fiero GT ... Parting out. Let me know if you need something.

GTRS Fiero

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2021, 07:38:15 pm »
If you figure out how to change the blinker angle, I'd sure like to know.

Wreck It Ralph

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Re: Column questions
« Reply #10 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.
1988 Fiero Base 4cyl 5spd.
1986 Fiero GT ... Parting out. Let me know if you need something.