Loose Steering Wheel

[Cpkeys05]

I know there is a ton of info out there on the steering is this truck, but my problem is at the top of the column.

The steering wheel in my 2005 1500HD is extremely loose. I changed the ISS and the lower bearing in the steering column, this helped to correct the in and out play but the wheel itself still wobbles. I pulled the airbag off and I can see the slop behind the wheel around the Clock spring mechanism. You can see the shaft moving up and down and side to side inside the column. The tilt mechanism moves up and down nice and solid and locks into each position as it should.

The truck is driveable but it is annoying. Before I pull the steering wheel off and remove the clock spring, does anyone know if there is a bearing in the top of the column that I need to replace? I have searched all over the internet and there sure is alot about the lower bearing and the ISS but I cant find anything on the upper portion of the column. I cant even find a parts diagram showing an upper bearing.

(I tied up my steering wheel during the ISS and lower bearing replacement, so the clock spring didnt unwind)

 

I am at a loss with this one and would sure appriciate any help i could get.

 

Thanks

 

[txab]

Yes there is a bearing and race in the upper column.

 

 

Edited February 22, 2019 by txab

[Cpkeys05]

Thanks for the diagram. Do you happen to remember which bolts they were in the diagram?

Edited August 8, 2013 by Cpkeys05

[montyss]

might be bolts # 34 or where it pivots at # 35

[Cpkeys05]

Thanks. And will the clock spring just slide right out?

[montyss]

there should be a snap ring holding down , remember don't let the centre of the clock spring turn. undo the wires and it should slide right up

[Cpkeys05]

So I have everything open, it seems like the play is between number 24 and number 29 in the diagram.

 

<a href="http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/Cpkeys05/media/Steering%20Column/IMG_0301_zps8381ad5f.mp4.html" target="_blank">

It seems like the colar around the shaft has some slop between itself and the housing. The link has short wideo clip showing the play that I am tlaking about.

 

So once I have the clock spring removed, how do i remove the part behind it (#12 i think, its plastic with like a metal key attached)?

Edited August 13, 2013 by Cpkeys05

[tbhuge]

Did you ever figure out how to tighten up the upper bearing? I am currently dealing with and beginning my research on a solution. Thanks.

[gmtech4]

you need these 2 tools which you can buy from a dealer ,,,i doubt a parts store will have a supplier ,,the spring is compressed pretty good ,,,,,i used 2 people and 2 screwdrivers to compress it to remove the clip ,,,,,or spend an hr labour (approx) at a garage and have them locktite the loose bolts back in for you

[Rusty Elwood]

Did anyone find or have any information on this part or procedure? I wrecked my 2006 GMC Sierra and have the same broken parts. Any help would be appreciated.  

 

[Cammedlsx]

Was it just the loose bolts? My steering wheel is whobbling all over and shaft is solid. It’s exactly where ur problem is.

[BenBlack]

I drive a 2011 Chevy Silverado LT 5.3 liter Z71 4 wheel drive. 
I have the exact same issue. I pulled off the airbag,steering wheel,clock spring. Once I had the clock spring removed I noticed a small washer(ring) about the same size as the snap ring holding the clock spring. The washer (ring) was around the wheel shaft just behind the clock spring. It was all bent to hell. I had hoped maybe that was the issue. Truthfully I used a hammer to flatten out the washer(ring) reinstalled everything. Installed a new snap ring. It helped, but not much at all. I still have quit the amount of play side to side and up and down. Like the shaft is loose. I punched my steering wheel and that’s how I got myself into this situation. 

[Dustoff87]

I drive a 2011 Chevy Silverado LT 5.3 liter Z71 4 wheel drive. 
I have the exact same issue. I pulled off the airbag,steering wheel,clock spring. Once I had the clock spring removed I noticed a small washer(ring) about the same size as the snap ring holding the clock spring. The washer (ring) was around the wheel shaft just behind the clock spring. It was all bent to hell. I had hoped maybe that was the issue. Truthfully I used a hammer to flatten out the washer(ring) reinstalled everything. Installed a new snap ring. It helped, but not much at all. I still have quit the amount of play side to side and up and down. Like the shaft is loose. I punched my steering wheel and that’s how I got myself into this situation. 

I beat my steering wheel to hell as well and now have this issue. I found some ball bearings on the floor later on and I also have a ton of play. Let me know how you fix it. I'll probably be doing the same thing soon.

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[AlaskanBamaBoy]

On 2/10/2021 at 7:05 AM, Dustoff87 said:

I beat my steering wheel to hell as well and now have this issue. I found some ball bearings on the floor later on and I also have a ton of play. Let me know how you fix it. I'll probably be doing the same thing soon.

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Hey did any of you figure this out?