Jeep_PDX Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hello... new to the club :) I have an 86 with the 2.5 FI. A couple of months ago the steering wheel and column started loosening up around its center... it got worse with time. Basically the wheel can be moved laterally and vertically in a "cone" type pattern. What works: -tilt mechanism -turn signals / wipers -steering function (no rotational slop) What's bad: -high beam function only works by slightly tilting the wheel upwards -ignition block feels sloppy and sometimes jams (still I can get the truck started every time) -laterally pushing the wheel (due to its slop) to the left will cause a break in electrical contact to the ignition (probably the worst aspect of this problem) Need to understand exactly what component needs replacing (column?) or if this one can be repaired. I have access to a shop and can tinker... but not sure what to start taking apart here. Thanks! Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NHMJXJ Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Check this thread >>> http://comancheclub.com/topic/39512-steering-column-tilt-bolts/?hl=wiggity&do=findComment&comment=409046 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Yep. Fix it using the link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep_PDX Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Thanks! Looks like the ticket. Much appreciated, Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMCJeepMJ Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 And remember if you're going to replace the entire column to take the bolt completely out [not just loose] where the steering shaft meets the steering box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep_PDX Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 and just to get an idea of how labor intensive this fix is... Is a day enough to get this done? I'm mechanically inclined but by no means an expert here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Yes, but the first time takes awhile. If you know the special tools in advance, it's easier. I did mine just a couple weeks ago. Steering wheel puller lockplate tool (to remove and re-install the snap ring) Pin puller (unless you can cheat and just tighten the 2 that are visible. NOT the proper way) e drive socket and 1/4 drive extension (I forget the size. E7?) Follow the directions on the link above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep_PDX Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Yes, but the first time takes awhile. If you know the special tools in advance, it's easier. I did mine just a couple weeks ago. Steering wheel puller lockplate tool (to remove and re-install the snap ring) Pin puller (unless you can cheat and just tighten the 2 that are visible. NOT the proper way) e drive socket and 1/4 drive extension (I forget the size. E7?) The special tools is what I am going to try and buy before the job... question is, will anyone at Autozone or Napa know what to get if I say "lockplate tool" or "Pin Puller"? Does not seem like these are vehicle specific, but I hope that I can provide info to get what I need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 lock plate tool http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w80649 pin tool http://www.summitracing.com/parts/oes-25135 http://www.harborfreight.com/19-piece-38-drive-e-socket-set-67992.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep_PDX Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Awesome, thanks!... got everything except the Pin Puller... the one from Summit will ship next month. Gotta figure out a way to get one by Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 It's available through Napa and auto parts stores here within 24 hours usually. Part numbers change but function doesn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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