Steering Column Swap - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

32valvZ · 01-28-2020

So i am considering a swap because of a real sloppy tilt. I figure its just easier to swap rather than rebuild mine. I have a line on a rebuilt one, just need some input from you guys.

VATS is bypassed on my car by the P.O. I dont know what method he used to accomplish that. He did say a key without a chip would work in the ignition due to the bypass. Will I have any other VATS complications?

Im concerned with the clock spring and air bag. Never fooled with one in any kind of car.... What precautions are there and what should I expect with these things?

Thanks in advance

-=Jeff=- · 01-29-2020

You need a VATS bypass on your car side harness...

As for the Clock spring, when you remove the steering wheel I usually ziptie the clock spring so it does not move

I can get more info as you need it.. I am at work and figured I would answer quickly

WARP TEN · 01-30-2020

Isn't the "real sloppy tilt" related to wear on a pin in the column? If that is correct, I think Marc Haibeck has a solution to that short of replacing the whole column. You might check in with him. --Bob

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 01-30-2020

Typically, you need to replace the column support, some call it a knuckle, the two pins, a spring, bolt with retainer.
All of those cost under $200.00 with shipping.
You need to take the wheel and air bag off either way, and that is where you most need to be careful.
To replace the above parts is not really that complicated, just take your time.
The more pictures you take at each step will help you get it back together.
I would not waste the money or time trying to resolve all of the added problems of swapping columns.

GM should have put a big NO TOUCH WHILE EXITING! on that wheel.
I always tell C-4 folks to grab the A-post and NOT the wheel to hoist themselves up.
When I look at an incoming C-4, reaching in and gently tugging the wheel to the left is one of the first things that I check. More then 25% show wear.

Keep us posted.

Marty

-=Jeff=- · 01-31-2020

this is not exactly like ours.. but close and a good reference

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

Andy · 02-01-2020

Don't know about now, but the place below

Steering Column Services
889 Molinaro Ct
Ivins, UT 84738

used to have some nos and also reconditioned knuckles for our cars. Pricey, though.

01-28-2020	#1
32valvZ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,071	Steering Column Swap So i am considering a swap because of a real sloppy tilt. I figure its just easier to swap rather than rebuild mine. I have a line on a rebuilt one, just need some input from you guys. VATS is bypassed on my car by the P.O. I dont know what method he used to accomplish that. He did say a key without a chip would work in the ignition due to the bypass. Will I have any other VATS complications? Im concerned with the clock spring and air bag. Never fooled with one in any kind of car.... What precautions are there and what should I expect with these things? Thanks in advance __________________ [B]1990 #2815[/B] [COLOR="Red"][B]Red/Red[/B][/COLOR] Ported Plenum & IH (by Pete) Haibeck Chip Rebuilt FPR (by Phil) FIC Injectors Watson LT Headers 3" Stainless Works exhaust Lingenfelter Open Air Lid Bill B Built Transmission Shifter & C Beam Plates [FONT=Impact][COLOR=red]1992 [COLOR=black]#[/COLOR] 091[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Impact][COLOR=#ff0000]Red/[COLOR=silver]Gray[/COLOR][/COLOR][/FONT] [B]SOLD[/B]

01-29-2020	#2
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,140	Re: Steering Column Swap You need a VATS bypass on your car side harness... As for the Clock spring, when you remove the steering wheel I usually ziptie the clock spring so it does not move I can get more info as you need it.. I am at work and figured I would answer quickly __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

01-30-2020	#3
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,048	Re: Steering Column Swap Isn't the "real sloppy tilt" related to wear on a pin in the column? If that is correct, I think Marc Haibeck has a solution to that short of replacing the whole column. You might check in with him. --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"

01-30-2020	#4
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey Posts: 2,566	Re: Steering Column Swap Typically, you need to replace the column support, some call it a knuckle, the two pins, a spring, bolt with retainer. All of those cost under $200.00 with shipping. You need to take the wheel and air bag off either way, and that is where you most need to be careful. To replace the above parts is not really that complicated, just take your time. The more pictures you take at each step will help you get it back together. I would not waste the money or time trying to resolve all of the added problems of swapping columns. GM should have put a big NO TOUCH WHILE EXITING! on that wheel. I always tell C-4 folks to grab the A-post and NOT the wheel to hoist themselves up. When I look at an incoming C-4, reaching in and gently tugging the wheel to the left is one of the first things that I check. More then 25% show wear. Keep us posted. Marty

01-31-2020	#5
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,140	Re: Steering Column Swap this is not exactly like ours.. but close and a good reference http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

02-01-2020	#6
Andy Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 37	Re: Steering Column Swap Don't know about now, but the place below Steering Column Services 889 Molinaro Ct Ivins, UT 84738 used to have some nos and also reconditioned knuckles for our cars. Pricey, though. __________________ 1990 black on black #1042 - sadly - sold 1993 Ruby #140 - stock 1991 QB #1608 - heads and top end ported, Watson headers, B&B 3"exhaust, Haibeck chip, 4.10 gears