I have a 1973 Camaro with the factory tilt steering column and it's starting to get loose. What does it take to fix this? Are there any part breakdown diagrams?

All GM models use the same steering column until the late1990's. So please follow the instructions with pictures at the link below. I assume you have a tilt column.

Body Loose Tilt Steering Column Repair Fix it right the first time

You mean the steering column is loose? Does it have factory tilt?

your problem with the gear selector is in the item 25 these are 2 plastic bushings that wear out and cause the gear selector feels loose, you should also check the item 27 this item has one or two screws loose and cause the gear selector feels loose



Item Part Number Description 10 3F609 Tilt Wheel Handle and Shank 11 7361 Column Shift Selector Lever Plunger 12 7210 Gearshift Lever 13 3D657 Steering Column Shaft 14 7B071 Transmission Control Selector Lever Plunger Spring 15 7G357 Gearshift Lever Pin 16 7212 Shift Tube 17 N806582 Tilt Column Pivot Screw 18 7C464 Transmission Control Selector Lever Spring Clip 19 7E400 Gearshift Tube Bushing Clamp 20 - Spacer (Fixed Column) 21 3E729 Steering Shaft (Fixed Column) 22 3F527 Lever Assembly (Manual Transmission) 23 3F530 Pin (Manual Transmission) 24 3F752 Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid 25 7335 Gearshift Lever Socket Bushing 26 7A216 Transmission Shift Selector Position Insert 27 7302 Transmission Selector Lever Arm and Support 28 7E395 Shift Cable and Bracket 29 7210 Gearshift Lever 30 3E691 Steering Column Lock Pawl

There is a u-joint inside the steering column if you have tilt wheel. Which I don't think that I have ever seen a steering column get loose if there is not tilt wheel. If there is not tilt wheel then there are two bolts that hold the steering column up against the bottom side of the dash. You will just need to tighten these two bolts. If you do have tilt wheel, then it is going to require taking the steering column out and replacing the u-joint in the steering column.

If it's too the point that parts have bent and fell out, it might be advisable to replace the entire column with a used one. However, if it seems salvagable, here is a write up on how to tighten the screws securing the tilt mechanism. Tilt column repair.

Sounds like the vehicle has had a rough time. If you can even get the parts to do a repair would be the real question. it will certainly be simpler to replace it with a recondition assembly. You should get a Haynes or Chilton's repair manual on your vehicle to directions and help in doing the repair.

there are 3 star bolts for a tilt column. need special tool to remove lock ring on steering lock plate. not easy without it

i had to call a mobile repairman who works on steering columns to come and tighten up my steering wheel,he tightened something up inside and cost me about 50 bucks,some kind of steering joint or knuckle inside!

the bolts that secure the tilt joint inside the column have come loose, wish I had a dime for everyone of these I have fixed! you must tear the column apart to fix this problem, it is best if you remove it from the car and put it in a large vise.

your steering column has a plate with 4 inverted torx fasteners I believe they are e8 fasteners, you must remove the upper tilt flange to gain access to these bolts , a few special tools will be needed : Pivot pin puller , steering wheel puller , lockplate depresser to name 3. the job takes about 1.5 hours to complete. hope this helps a little.