the tilt column on my 83 is pretty floppy...if I remove the steering wheel is it something as simple as tightening a few bolts and putting it back together?

Going to go register it this week and start driving it...I've got a few other things that need fixing quick too. it's leaking coolant from "somewhere", the wiper motor sounds like it turns on but the shaft does not move, and I need to get me some cheap used tires for the back...

I'm really exicted to have a new project...my last one (which I will own forever!) was a 1965 Chevy Corvair...completely different animal, for sure!

Thanks,
Ryan

 

Floppy? Do you mean the housing is loose (moves side to side)? Do you mean it doesn't lock solidly in any tilt position or in just some positions or in every other lock position (moves up and down)? These symptoms all have different solutions. Please clarify.

On the wiper motor are you looking thru the cowling at the shaft? If the motor is running and the shaft is not turning there, a broken shaft or stripped gears in the reducer/right angle drive are possibilities. If the nut on the shaft comes loose the motor and shaft can turn without moving the wiper arms. Remember that if you tighten or loosen the nut on the end of the shaft hold the shaft to keep from putting to much pressure on the reducer gears and stripping them.

 

with the wheel locked into position (any position) I can grab the steering wheel and flop it up and down (the wheel...NOT the clumn mast). the shifter moves as I do it too...

The only things I could find is maybe some four bolts that hold the thing on??

I can headr the motor running and the shaft coming out of the motor housing does not move. Probably cheaper to just buy a new one?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

Could be a bad or loose bearing. I think the bearings in the tilt wheels are not of the one piece design. The race and bearing assembly are separate kind of like a wheel bearing.

It could also be worn lock shoes and/or pivot pins. I don't know of anyway to be sure until you get inside.

I think replacing the wiper motor is probably the solution. I personally like to know what broke so when I pull the wiper motor I would open the gear box just so I know if the gears were striped. I just tend to be the curious type.

 

Yeah I found the motor at autozone for 49 and 59 depending if it has delay (i haven't looked yet) so thats the way to go. 10 buck core.

thanks seal, and I know the feeling on being curious!