Loose steering Wheel on column

McDave · Post by **McDave** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 11:57 am

How about this one, anyone have a loose wheel on the column? I pulled the column covers to see ht was loose or not. Its not a worn tilt adjustment. It appears o be the metal unit that attaches to the column shaft. I have not looked unde the horn cover, but that will be my next stop. Any ideas?

Foxfleet · Post by **Foxfleet** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:05 pm

I have had this problem on every Capri I have owned, and the problem for me was in the 2 bolts on the column mounted lengthwise wih the column. Might have to remove the turn signal mechanism to get to it. That's how I figured it out the first time, when I had to replace this mechanism.

Also, there are 2 bolts perpendicular to the column that mount a "u" bracket. This is in plain view and the bolt heads point toward the carpet. Hope this helps.

Post by **negusm** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:52 pm

Foxfleet wrote:I have had this problem on every Capri I have owned, and the problem for me was in the 2 bolts on the column mounted lengthwise wih the column. Might have to remove the turn signal mechanism to get to it. That's how I figured it out the first time, when I had to replace this mechanism.

Also, there are 2 bolts perpendicular to the column that mount a "u" bracket. This is in plain view and the bolt heads point toward the carpet. Hope this helps.

Exactly. Tighten those up and the steering column should be like new again. This happens to every single fox car on the planet. Except Sandy's of course

.

-Mike

tfs2121 · Post by **tfs2121** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:57 pm

hey mike didnt someone at FEP make a step by step fix for this with pics?

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 4:29 pm

I'm laughing my @$$ off, here. I'm reading this loose steering wheel saga and I'm thinking to myself.... {{ What the heck are they tallking about....I never had that.....}} and then you write that...

""This happens to every single fox car on the planet. Except Sandy's of course

""

Very funny ~ ~ but....whay am I so blessed ?? ??

McDave · Post by **McDave** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:56 pm

so here is my update, its not the "U bolt bracket at the column base. I gather from the cpomments that I need to access this from the horn cover side? I will look at that later today but you guys seem to be o the right track here. Any help with the link to that step by step with photos would be great.

Post by **negusm** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:00 pm

You need to pull the steering column shrouds/covers off. I think the bolts are on the side, I forget. You may need to remove some of the switched too. Once you find them, you'll see that they probably can be turned with your fingers they are so loose. You can tighten them back up or pull them out, add thread locker and then put them back in.

Sandy, there are simply some problems you can't get if you never put miles on your cars.

-Mike

Post by **negusm** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:01 pm

tfs2121 wrote:hey mike didnt someone at FEP make a step by step fix for this with pics?

Yeah...somewhere there is one.

gregpro50 · Post by **gregpro50** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:05 pm

You need to pull the upper and lower column covers off. Then on the left side you will see two allen head bolts that hold the turn signal mechanism on. Take those two bolts out and pull the turn signal mechanism off. Then you will see two larger bolts, one on top and one on bottom that hold the column together. Tighten these and then put everything back together. You'll see that its really pretty easy one you start taking it apart.

McDave · Post by **McDave** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:06 am

Now thats what I talking about, thats all I needed, appreciate the help.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:14 am

Geeezzz, maybe I better consider cutting down on the 33 miles a year, that I have averaged since 1986. I mean, the muffler saga is still going on!

tfs2121 · Post by **tfs2121** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:02 pm

i looked for a link to that guide and i found it! but it didnt work anymore sorry!

McDave · Post by **McDave** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 12:00 am

Loose Steering Problem solved, thanks for the great advice. Here are the steps if anyone else needs to know. on to the next project.

1. remove 5 screws in the stering column shroud.

2. Remove the both turn signal mount screws , these are two brass colored torx screws on the left side. one on top and bottom, push the signal to the side

3.Notice two 1/2" bolts, on on top one on bottom, tighten these and you are good to go.

4. Reassemble in reverse order

GQ 1949 · Post by **GQ 1949** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 12:38 am

Outstanding Mcdave, Thank's

GQ.

Post by **negusm** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 2:37 am

Did you put any lock tite on them? I would have doen that while you are in there. Not like it matters. 50k miles from now you'll just have to remember to do it again