Attempting to tighten my steering column. The steering wheel would turn slightly even when locked?

Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I was attempting to tighten my steering column. The steering wheel would turn slightly even when locked. While turning the steering wheel to see what was loose, I sheared off a bolt from the underside of the column. It appears to be a bolt which prevents the steering column from being pulled too far out when it is adjusted. I don't know exactly what it does or how important it is, and I can't find the bolt online. The pictures show the sheared off bolt from the underside of the steering column.
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 2:08 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,106 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure which bolt you are referring to. I attached pics below. Take a look at them and let me know if you see it.

Also, if you could upload a pic of where it is, that may help me.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Hopefully these pictures will help.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Does this have a telescopic steering column? That appears to be the locking mechanism for it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Yes, it is. It has a manual telescopic steering column. The locking mechanism is actually in this picture below and still works. This bolt seems to have been to keep the steering wheel from pulling too far out, but I'm not completely sure. I don't know if it serves another purpose and how important it is.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 10:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,106 POSTS
Hi,

To the best of my knowledge, that is the only purpose for it. Looking at the pics I have and what you have provided, it doesn't appear it was responsible for anything other.

Interestingly, the only repair listed in my manual is to replace the steering column.

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Thank you very much. I drilled out the old bolt and I'm going to tap it and replace with a new bolt. It brings me back to my original problem though. Do you know what needs to be tightened if I can move my steering wheel while it's in the locked position. It doesn't move much, but it can slightly rotate from left to right, (turn left and right) even when it's locked.
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,106 POSTS
Hi,

There is normally a small amount of play when the key is out. Can you record what it does and upload it for me to see?

Joe
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Yep, no problem. I won't be home until late tonight, so I will add it first thing in the morning.
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,106 POSTS
Hi,

I may be out of town until Sunday. I hope you understand. Send it regardless and I'll get back to you.

Joe
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
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Here is the video. Let me know if you need more.
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Friday, August 12th, 2022 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Thanks for the video, it looks like this problem has nothing to do with the steering column, the mount that is welded to the dash mount is broken. You will need to remove the column and either reweld it or you might be able to drill holes to bolt it, either the weld was bad from the factory, or someone really muscled the wheel or the tuck as in an accident at one point. Here are the instructions on how to remove the column. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, August 12th, 2022 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Thank you for the help. Is this something I should be able to see without dropping the steering column? All the welds I think I can see look okay, but I may just be missing it.
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Saturday, August 13th, 2022 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I just got back. Ken is correct. The column isn't properly mounted anymore. The steering column needs to be removed to repair the mount. Have you tried removing it yet?

Joe
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Sunday, August 14th, 2022 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
AUSTINLEFE
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Thank you for the replies. I haven't dug into it yet, but that will be next weekend's project and I will update how it goes. I found this short forum from a few years ago but couldn't determine what exactly was referenced with the bolt in the clam shell. I'm not sure if either of you know what's being talked about? I've never taken out a steering column and I'm a DIY mechanic at best. I'll be working on the column next weekend, and I'll let you know.
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Sunday, August 14th, 2022 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If I had to guess, they are referring to the bolt you attached prior. I made a copy of it and re-attached it below.

Other than that, I'm not sure what they referred to.

Let us know how things turn out for you. Make sure the battery is disconnected for at least 30 minutes prior to working on the steering.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 8:28 PM

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