72 Cutlass Tilt Steering Problems

oldjunk · April 26th, 2009, 03:09 PM

Hi Guys!
I have a 1972 Cutlass S with the factory tilt steering wheel option. My problem is that something is broken or worn out so that the wheel is too loose and "flops" up and down, more than what is should. Fortunately, I am not currently driving this car, as this is probably unsafe, but the steering still works. I have never torn into a steering column before, and I was curious if anyone else has encountered a similar problem, or may be able to provide advice before I try to fix it.

rocketraider · April 26th, 2009, 07:13 PM

There are four small screws down in the column that work loose and cause this. IIRC you have to remove:

the lock plate

the turn signal lever and actuator cam

and you should then be able to access them with a 1/4" (I think, may be 5/16") socket and a 6" extension. A flex drive may make it easier.

Get yourself a 1972 factory shop manual if you're unsure about it. It's a worthwhile investment for the car anyway.

joe_padavano · April 26th, 2009, 08:42 PM

Here's an overview of the repair:

http://buickperformance.com/tiltstee...lumnwobble.htm

Bluevista · April 26th, 2009, 09:13 PM

I just did mine, very common problem. It isn't hard but has lots of little pieces-parts, you really do need a manual.

I used that article Joe posted and these two for reference.

http://www.superchevy.com/tech/sucp_...umn/index.html

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html

oldjunk · April 27th, 2009, 07:40 PM

Thanks a ton! I never would have come up with that fix by myself. Hope I don't have any parts left over!

April 26th, 2009, 03:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
oldjunk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 16	72 Cutlass Tilt Steering Problems Hi Guys! I have a 1972 Cutlass S with the factory tilt steering wheel option. My problem is that something is broken or worn out so that the wheel is too loose and "flops" up and down, more than what is should. Fortunately, I am not currently driving this car, as this is probably unsafe, but the steering still works. I have never torn into a steering column before, and I was curious if anyone else has encountered a similar problem, or may be able to provide advice before I try to fix it.

April 26th, 2009, 07:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
rocketraider Oldsdruid Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Danville Vajenya, the Last Capital of Dixie Posts: 1,214	There are four small screws down in the column that work loose and cause this. IIRC you have to remove: the lock plate the turn signal lever and actuator cam and you should then be able to access them with a 1/4" (I think, may be 5/16") socket and a 6" extension. A flex drive may make it easier. Get yourself a 1972 factory shop manual if you're unsure about it. It's a worthwhile investment for the car anyway. __________________ I know absolutely nothing about Oldsmobiles. Just ask the owner of Oldspower.com

April 26th, 2009, 08:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
joe_padavano Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,402	Here's an overview of the repair: http://buickperformance.com/tiltstee...lumnwobble.htm __________________ Joe Padavano 64 Jetstar 88 Conv 66 442 L-69 Conv 68 W-30 69 H/O 69 442 70 W-30 72 442 84 Custom Cruiser 86 Caprice wagon (w/307 Olds)

April 27th, 2009, 07:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
oldjunk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 16	Excellent! Thanks for the help guys! Thanks a ton! I never would have come up with that fix by myself. Hope I don't have any parts left over!

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April 26th, 2009, 09:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bluevista Cruisin' the Vistas Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 1,724	I just did mine, very common problem. It isn't hard but has lots of little pieces-parts, you really do need a manual. I used that article Joe posted and these two for reference. http://www.superchevy.com/tech/sucp_...umn/index.html http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html

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