Hey all,
A buddy just bought a 91 XJ Laredo with 119k for $350 in solid running condition. The only problem with it is that the steering column is busted or loose at the tilt 'joint'. Has anyone had experience with this repair? What in the world do you do to fix that?

s

 

behind the steering wheel there is three torx bolts that keep this tight,as long as the plastic knuckle is ok you should be able to tighten it up. It is not that hard to do but it does require a couple of tools like a colum puller and wheel puller,Your best bet is to get a haynes manual,it will show you step by step.

 

http://www.epiccomputer.com/dale/jee...tilt/tilt.html

i found it easier to just replace the whole column with a junkyard one tho.

 

How hard is it to replace the ignition so you can retain the same key on the donor column?

s

 

youll have to take the wheel off and take out the torx screw holding the lock in place. Ive seen tilt columns that the pivot pin in the column has busted. Requires tearing apart the top half of the column and getting a kit to replace it.. Easier just to grab one from the JY.

 

The problem with a junkyard replacement column is that it will probably develop the same loose problem perhaps sooner than later. This problem is common with the GM Saginaw tilt steering...4 loose torx screws...the job is tedious... just keep track of everything...lots of small parts. Lots of help available on the internet on this job...went to an El Camino site for help with mine.

 

i wouldn't even bother. just get one that has a key. ignition key doesn't fit anything else anyway.

and for the 25 bux, i can change out a column in a fraction of the time it would take to repair the tilt.

just make sure you don't pull on the steering wheel to get into the jeep. that's what kills these things.

 

Werr you eves dropping by chance? The PO's wife was driving the Jeep when she was pregnant and would pull herself up and into the Jeep on the wheel throughout most of the pregnancy. Good thing though since they ended up parking it and selling it for cheap!

s

 

i pulled the three torx out and red locktited those suckers in there!! they came loose every 5k or so b4 and now its been over 30k and still tight like you read about...in my opinion, better that a junkyard one that will end up with the same problem.

 

Yes I have had experiance replacing it. Its way easier to just tear it out and buy one at a junk yard rather than try and fix it. It should be farly simple just have to tear it out and put it back in. Good luck man!

 

My 93 only has one key that opens everything.

 

oh yeah, forgot about that. i have a 92 that's the same. and it's starting to get loose now too.

damn, something to think about.

 

If you've got time, column work is not that bad. When I worked at the garage, I was given most of the column work, because no one else wanted it. The biggest PITA is getting the lock ring off of the shaft.

But it takes several special tools. It would cost less to get one from the JY. If you can find one, buy it.