Steering wheel/column rattle

[kustomkyle]

I've got a relatively low mileage 1986 Regal that has developed a rattle somewhere in the steering column. It sort of just started one day and has gradually gotten worse. It occurs when driving over potholes, railroad tracks, etc, not all the time. It feels like it is right underneath the back of the steering wheel, but I don't know for sure where it is coming from exactly. It is a column shift car if that makes a difference.

I've read somewhere on a Grand National/T-Type info site that a clip or something in the column wears out and causes similar symptoms, however, I haven't been able to find that article since.

If anyone has dealt with a similar problem and knows anything about how to remedy it, it would be very helpful. If there is a particular part that I might need, would anyone know where to get it, or what the GM or possible aftermarket part numbers are? I have to take the wheel off to replace the wiper/turn signal lever anyway, so I figured I should try to do it all at once if possible.

 

[pontiacgp]

you don't have to remove the wheel to replace the wiper/turn lever....just grab the lever and pull it out of it's place...there is a key that you have to line up to install the new one. If you have cruise control then you have to make sure the new lever has the same wire configuration and there's a connection for the wires that will be accessible when you pull the lever out....

 

[kustomkyle]

I just pulled the wiper/turn signal/cruise lever out and the wire snapped at the base of the lever. It doesn't feel like the wire will pull out of the column anymore. I can't see where it plugs in either. Does this sound right? It doesn't look good...

 

[pontiacgp]

I heard some people splice the wires together. If your cruise doesn't work and your not intending on fixing it then no need to worry about the wires...

 

[kustomkyle]

So the wires don't have anything to do with the turn signals or wipers? So, in order to do it properly, the column does have to come apart?

 

[JESSE]

lever

the wiring harness for the cruise control runs parallel to the turn signal switch,it's easiest to pull the wheel and lock plate off to relpace the cruise switch.. you have to remove the plastic under the column and the plate that the column is bolted to , and don't forget to take the clip the moves the shift indicator off or it will break!!!! the cruise wiring has it's own cover,it's white and has to be removed.. the cruise wiring connector is at the bottom, it's a flat four wire connector with a small hole in it.... take a small diameter mechanic's wire and put it in the hole ,now pull the cruise wiring harness up,then all you have to do is attach the mechanic's wire to the new harness an pull it back through the column and reverse the process...does this make sense to you? let me know if you need any more help... good luck....jesse

 

[pontiacgp]

So the wires don't have anything to do with the turn signals or wipers? So, in order to do it properly, the column does have to come apart?

the wires have nothing to do with the wipers or turn signals...

 

[JESSE]

lever

if your cruise control doesn't work just buy a non cruise lever and install it...the only thing the lever does for the turn signal is move it left or right and the wiper switch uses the lever is to turn it on no, wiring at all for either of them....jesse

 

[kustomkyle]

Yeah, that sounds pretty detailed. I won't be able to try that for a little while though. Luckily the lever works fine without the wires; it just looks bad, as if the car was stolen or something. What kind of steering wheel puller set-up works best for these cars? There are 3 types at the local auto parts store (I can't remember what differentiated them)? Does the column dis-assembly part require a special "column tool"? I think I'd have to order one if it does as I've never seen one in a store (someone told me about them, never knew they existed).

I still really want to figure out what the rattle might be before I tear into it so I can get everything together properly and at the same time. I'll have to search harder to try and find the information I thought I read before again.

 

[85_SS]

Before you go too far - try placing a dab of grease on the rear centre hood stop at the cowl. The hood will rattle/squeak on this stop and cause funny noises that you would swear are coming from the dash area.