Hey: all you late model GM techs, got a question

[parsonsj]

I missed my track day with my 2007 Z06 this past weekend because I discovered (too late to fix) that my steering column was loose. I finally got the guts to pull the airbag out and disassemble the column and figured out that the left pivot pin in my tilt column had fallen out. And the right side was backed out a good 1/4".

I pushed both pins back in (and they went in very easily), and now I'm wondering if this is a common problem. Plus, I'm pretty certain they'll just back out again, especially because of the track time I put on the car.

Is there any GM-approved fix for this?



jp

[taz]

Service Information

If they went in easy there is a problem they are just going to do it again . They press in with an istallation tool and dont come out easy either .



2007 Chevrolet Corvette | Corvette (VIN Y) Service Manual | Document ID: 1869302
Looseness in Steering Column
Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?
Go to Step 2
Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column
2
Verify that the steering column is loose.
Is the steering column loose?
Go to Step 3
System OK
3
Inspect the steering column mounting features for the following conditions.

• The steering column mounting fasteners are loose.
• The steering column mounting features are sheared.

Are the steering column mounting features loose?
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 4
4
Inspect the upper and/or lower bearings for looseness.
Are any of the bearings worn or loose?
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 7
5
Note: If the steering column mounting feature is damaged or sheared, replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.
Tighten the steering column mounting fastener to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 7
--
6
Note: If the steering column upper and/or lower bearings are not serviceable, replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.
Replace the upper and/or lower bearings, if serviceable.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 7
--
7
Operate the steering column in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition

[taz]

Service Information







Steering Column Disassembled View (Manual)
<A href="#oth1-676405">Tilt Steering Column




(1)Upper Trim Cover(2)Lower Trim Cover(3)TORX® Head Screws(4)Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Assembly(5)Flanged Prevailing Torque Nut(6)Retaining Ring(7)SIR Coil(8)Wave Washer(9)Bearing Retainer(10)Cam Orientation Plate(11)Turn Signal Cancel Cam Assembly(12)Upper Bearing Spring(13)Upper Bearing Inner Race Seat(14)Inner Race(15)Pan Head Tapping Screws(16)Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock(17)Pan Head Tapping Screw(18)Wiper/Washer Switch Bracket(19)Steering Column Tilt Head Housing(20)Wire Harness Spacer(21)Wire Harness Straps(22)Pan Head Tapping Screws(23)Turn Signal and Multifunction Switch Assembly(24)Race and Upper Shaft Assembly(25)Joint Preload Spring(26)Centering Sphere(27)Lower Steering Shaft Assembly(28)TORX® Head Screws(29)TORX® Head Screws(30)Tilt Bumpers(31)Spring Guide(32)Tilt Spring(33)Pivot Pins(34)Steering Column Support Assembly(35)Wire Harness Strap(36)Steering Column Jacket Assembly(37)Adapter and Bearing Assembly(38)Steering Wheel Position Sensor Assembly(39)Sensor Retainer(40)Steering


J 21854-01
Pivot Pin Remover

[parsonsj]

Thanks Tim. Appreciate the help.

jp

[CamaroAJ]

i'm a corvette tech and i can say that is a first that i have ever seen of column comming loose on a C6 or even a C5.

you could always put them back in and then set them with a punch.

[John Wright]

Can you knurl the hole (like a valve guide)?

[parsonsj]

I considered both ideas... though knurling requires tools I don't have.

AJ, the local Corvette tech said the same thing: set it with a punch. I'm a little unsure how that would actually work (I got that 2nd hand): the pin has an outside shoulder to keep it from being pushed in too far during installation. How to "set" it? Can you be more precise about what you mean? Is there a procedure GM recommends?

Oh, and over on CorvetteForum, another fellow reported the exact same problem: left side pivot pin fell out, right was halfway out. I'm hopeful the car is still under warranty... I'm checking with the original owner.

jp

[CamaroAJ]

3/36 bumper to bumper 5/100 powertrain warranty (that includes hubs )

i would tap the pin all the way in and then take a punch and put it just next to the head of the pin in the aluminum. a sharp punch should deform the aluminum over the head of the pin and the side of it enough to hold it in. thats how GM does alot of their things. i would do two, one on each side of the pin.

if you have more questions because its hard to explane typing i can PM you my number and give you better details.

[CamaroAJ]

oh, when you get out of your car do you pull your self out useing the steering wheel or do you grab the A-piller? my guess would be the wheel.

[parsonsj]

a sharp punch should deform the aluminum over the head of the pin and the side of it enough to hold it in. thats how GM does alot of their things. i would do two, one on each side of the pin.

Ah, I understand now, thanks! And I'm really happy I didn't try it put a tack weld in an aluminum bridge!

when you get out of your car do you pull your self out useing the steering wheel or do you grab the A-piller?

Yeah, that's a common thing on the 'net: GM tilt column failure being blamed on the use of the steering wheel as an "entry/exit handle". I personally don't, since the car gets parked in my lift bay in my garage and I have to "roll" in and out of it. But I'm not the original owner, so who knows what he did.

But... but: even if this failure is caused by using the steering wheel as a handle, I don't think that lets GM off the hook. There's nothing in the Owner's Guide about that, and I hadn't heard that until I went searching about my particular failure. I think GM has an iffy design here, and blaming it on the owner is a bit below the belt... if the wheel is often used by owners to get in and out of a car (and let's remember: the C6 is hard to get in and out), then the column needs to be designed to deal with that. Not picking on you (especially since you've been so helpful), but I hope GM hasn't taken that as an official position.

jp

[CamaroAJ]

like i said, since i have never seen it before i have no idea on what GM thinks about this. it would have been smarter for the general to make the joint out of steel than cheep cast aluminum. i'm sure you know what i mean now that you have yours tore down lol.