Steering wheel and upper steering shaft Move up out of column

GORDO22

MEMBER
1983 CHEVROLET BLAZER
6.2L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

The blinker switch in the column was replaced by local mechanic six months ago. A few days ago I noticed the upper shaft which is attached to steering wheel with large center nut moves out of the steering column over half an inch by its self. The lower portion of shaft protruding from bottom of column does not move up or down. Apparently the shaft inside the column is two piece, but the wheel still turns the vehicle with the shaft out of the column a bit. Do you have any suggestions as to why the upper half is not staying in the column? How to repair the issue along withe a blow-up diagram of the column- for column shift automatic transmission 700R4, non tilt, wiper switch on dash (not in column)? Thanks all!

7 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,011 POSTS

The shaft is a two piece design to allow it to collapse in the event you are in an accident. The upper section is "glued" to the lower section with a plastic that gets injected into holes in both halves. To repair it you need to remove the column and tear it down enough to remove the shaft. It is usually much cheaper and faster to just replace the column as the shaft is not a common part so it is a dealer or NOS item.
Plus you could add tilt if you wished.

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Monday, August 28th, 2017 AT 6:36 PM

GORDO22

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17 POSTS

Steve, The diagram you have provided is great for me to see the inner workings of my steering column. Much Appreciated! I am able to visualize the two sections of the shaft easily with your guidance, and reluctantly agree that a new column would be the best method of repair. Thank you for the quick response, professional diagnosis, and also the awesome diagram!

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Monday, August 28th, 2017 AT 7:40 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,011 POSTS

You are welcome, sorry that it is not better news. The hardest part of swapping the column is finding the replacement. At least with the K5 you have a few choices of "donor" vehicle. Not like the Corvette guys who have to get a column for the same year, make, model and option package because nothing else fits.

If you look at the exploded view you can see the upper bearing (14) in the column. If GM had bothered to make that a single roller bearing instead of a tapered one this issue would not happen. As it is that bearing allows force on the steering wheel to pull up on the shaft and break the joint at the bottom. On the tilt wheels they used a top/bottom bearing that negates that problem. But the tilt columns also have issues if they are used as a handle to get into the vehicle.

Good luck with your repair and it is great to hear of an older vehicle still being loved, in my area the salt usually claims them by now.

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Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 AT 8:38 AM

GORDO22

MEMBER
17 POSTS

Steve; I have always been a fan of the older 4X4's, and my 1983 K5 has became my daily driver, snow plow vehicle, and passion, since I purchased it for $2,500 from a salvage yard in Colorado eighteen years ago. The salvage yard had replaced the 700r4 transmission with a rebuilt 1987 model, and I replaced the worn 6.2l diesel with a pulled 1984 military 6.2l diesel engine with open plenum. A very enjoyable vehicle indeed with minimal rust. As the years pass by and I keep up on repairs, the Blazer just keeps getting better than it was the year before. Thanks much for your guidance and for helping folks keep these vehicles on the road!

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Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 AT 9:58 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,011 POSTS

So it has a warriors heart now. I had an M1009 myself until someone wanted it much more than me. I have always liked the older vehicles but the salt here eats up everything so I try to keep them alive by not bringing them here. Although I did look at a 66 Econoline P/U today.